[37M] Experiencing gastrointestinal symptoms and loss of appetite post-travel

What might be happening

Based on the information you've provided, possible diagnoses include:

• Gastroenteritis: This is an inflammation of the digestive tract, often caused by a viral or bacterial infection. It can cause diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and fever. Your recent travel and the fact that your friends are also sick suggest that you may have picked up an infection.

  • Treatment typically involves rest, hydration, and over-the-counter remedies to manage symptoms.

• Food poisoning: This occurs when you eat contaminated food. Symptoms can start within hours of eating the contaminated food and include nausea, vomiting, watery diarrhea, abdominal pain, and fever.

  • Treatment involves rest, hydration, and over-the-counter remedies.

• COVID-19: While less likely, COVID-19 can present with a wide range of symptoms, including fever, cough, and gastrointestinal symptoms like loss of appetite and diarrhea. Given the ongoing pandemic, it's important to consider this possibility.

  • Testing is crucial for this diagnosis. If positive, treatment involves rest, hydration, over-the-counter remedies, and isolation to prevent spread.

What you can do

1. Stay hydrated: With frequent diarrhea, it's important to replace lost fluids and electrolytes. Drink plenty of water, but also consider drinks with electrolytes, such as sports drinks or rehydration solutions.
2. Rest: Your body needs energy to fight off the infection. Getting rest will help.
3. Over-the-counter remedies: Over-the-counter anti-diarrheal medication may help with your symptoms.
4. Isolate: Until you know what's causing your symptoms, it's best to stay away from others to prevent potential spread.
5. Get tested for COVID-19: Given the ongoing pandemic and your range of symptoms, it would be wise to get a COVID-19 test.

What you should look out for

Seek immediate medical attention if:

• Your symptoms worsen or don't improve after a few days
• You develop severe abdominal pain
• You see blood in your stools
• You become severely dehydrated (signs include extreme thirst, very dry mouth, little to no urination, severe weakness, dizziness, or lightheadedness)

Remember, while I strive to provide accurate information, I'm not a doctor. Please consult with a healthcare professional for a formal diagnosis and treatment.