In a traveler with diarrhoea lasting 6 days, what is the most appropriate action?

• A. Refer to GP for further investigation and treatment
• B. Continue self-care at home
• C. Start empiric antibiotics without prescription
• D. Do nothing

Answer: (A)

Persistent travel-related diarrhoea lasting six days needs medical assessment to rule out dehydration and more serious infection. While many cases improve with fluids and rest, ongoing symptoms after travel raise concern for invasive bacterial, parasitic, or other causes that require careful evaluation. A clinician can assess hydration, look for red flags (fever, blood in stool, severe abdominal pain, or vulnerability due to age or immune status), order appropriate stool tests or investigations, and provide targeted treatment. Starting antibiotics without prescription can be inappropriate and may miss the true cause or promote resistance. Doing nothing or attempting only self-care without guidance risks worsening dehydration or missing a treatable condition. Therefore, referring to a GP for further investigation and management is the most appropriate action.