After the Trip

When Should You Seek Medical Advice After Your Trip?

Most people returning from a short trip abroad do not need a medical examination after they return home. However, there are some situations in which it is important to be alert to symptoms or seek medical advice.

Pay Particular Attention to Hygiene

Some gastrointestinal infections can still be present and spread to other people after you return home. Take particular care with hand hygiene after using the toilet and before preparing or eating food.

Seek Medical Advice If You Develop

  • blood or mucus in your stools
  • diarrhoea lasting longer than 5–7 days, or for a shorter period in young children
  • diarrhoea accompanied by a high fever
  • severe tiredness, unusual drowsiness or signs of dehydration
  • fever or feeling unwell after visiting a tropical or subtropical region

If You Have Been Taking Malaria Prophylaxis

If you have been prescribed malaria prophylaxis, it is important to continue taking it for the recommended period after leaving the malaria risk area. Protection does not necessarily end when your trip is over, and stopping treatment too early may increase your risk of developing malaria.

A useful tip is to set reminders on your mobile phone so that you do not miss any doses after returning home.

Seek Medical Attention Promptly If You Develop a Fever After Visiting a Malaria Risk Area

If you develop fever, chills, headache, nausea, abdominal pain or diarrhoea after travelling in a malaria risk area, seek medical attention promptly. Malaria can develop rapidly and requires early diagnosis and treatment.

Malaria Can Develop Long After Your Trip

In some cases, malaria may develop several months after leaving a malaria risk area. If you seek medical care after travelling abroad, always tell the healthcare professional which countries you visited and when you were there.

This information can be important in helping healthcare professionals reach the correct diagnosis quickly.

Blood Donation After Travel

Blood donation rules vary depending on the countries you have visited and whether you have taken malaria prophylaxis. If you are a blood donor, check the current requirements with your blood donation service before giving blood.


Senast uppdaterad 2026-09-02