Tourist clinic · Portugal 2026
Food Poisoning in Portugal — What Should I Do?
Most food poisoning settles in 1 to 3 days. The priority is fluids: small sips, often, and oral rehydration salts from any pharmacy (farmácia).
Blood in the stool, high fever, signs of dehydration or severe pain: see a doctor today. Confusion, collapse, or trouble seeing or swallowing after a meal: call 112.
Dr. Rita AguiarLicensed physician · Portuguese Medical Association · ERS 45475
Consultations in English, Spanish or Portuguese.
Video call with a licensed doctor · same-day slots · e-prescription valid at any pharmacy in Portugal
Next available times
See this week's availabilityThe first 24 hours
Drink little and often: a few sips every few minutes if you are vomiting. Water alone is not enough if you have a lot of diarrhoea — ask the pharmacy for oral rehydration salts (sais de reidratação oral).
Eat when you feel like it, starting with something light (rice, bread, soup, banana). Avoid alcohol. Wash your hands well and do not prepare food for others until 48 hours after the symptoms stop.
What a Portuguese pharmacy can give you without a prescription
Oral rehydration salts, paracetamol for fever or aches, and loperamide for adults with watery diarrhoea and no fever or blood. Do not take loperamide if there is blood in the stool or a high fever.
Anti-sickness medicines and antibiotics need a doctor’s prescription in Portugal. The pharmacist is a good first stop for advice, and will tell you when you need a doctor.
Seafood, heat and hotel bugs
Tingling or numbness of the lips, mouth or fingers within hours of eating shellfish can be shellfish poisoning: call 112.
In summer heat you lose fluid faster, so drink more than you think. And not every stomach bug is the food: norovirus spreads easily in hotels and on cruise ships — hand washing matters more than hand gel.
Pharmacy, online doctor or ER?
| Option | Best for | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Pharmacy | Mild symptoms, no red flags | Products only |
| Lon Clinic online | You want a doctor’s view today, or need a prescription | €39 |
| ER / 112 | Red flags above | Depends on insurance / EHIC |
How the online consultation works
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Book a slot
Same-day appointments are often available, seven days a week. €39, shown before you pay.
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Video assessment
The doctor asks what and when you ate, how often you are going, and looks for signs of dehydration on camera. Have your usual medicines to hand.
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A plan, and a prescription if needed
Most people need fluids and time. If an anti-sickness medicine or, less often, an antibiotic is indicated, you receive a Portuguese electronic prescription for any pharmacy.
Price
39 €
Video consultation with a licensed doctor, about 30 minutes. Electronic prescription included if indicated. Invoice and medical report for your insurer.
See a doctor today — €39When an online consultation can help
- Diarrhoea and/or vomiting for less than 3 days, and you can keep small sips down
- Cramps that come and go, mild fever
- You want to know if you need medicine, or whether it is safe to fly home
- You are unsure which pharmacy products are safe with the medicines you already take
Go to the ER or call 112
- Blood in the stool, or black, tar-like stool
- Fever above 39°C or shaking chills
- Dehydration: little or no urine for 8 hours, dizziness when standing, confusion
- Severe or constant abdominal pain
- Unable to keep any fluid down for more than 12 to 24 hours
- Blurred or double vision, trouble swallowing or speaking, or weakness after eating — call 112
- Pregnancy, age over 70, kidney disease, diabetes or a weakened immune system — get assessed early
For a genuine emergency, call 112 or go to a public hospital emergency room (urgência).
FAQ
Do I need antibiotics for food poisoning?
Usually not. Most cases are viral or settle on their own. A doctor may prescribe one for specific situations, such as high fever with bloody diarrhoea — that is a decision made after an assessment, not at the counter.
Can I fly home with food poisoning?
If you can keep fluids down and have no red flags, flying is usually fine. If you are still vomiting or very weak, it is better to wait. The doctor can advise you on your situation.
Is tap water safe in Portugal?
Yes. Public tap water in Portugal, including the islands, is treated and safe to drink.
How much does it cost?
€39 for the video consultation. The prescription, if issued, is included. You receive an invoice and a medical report for your travel insurer.
Reviewed by the Lon Clinic medical team
General information for visitors in Portugal. It does not replace an individual medical consultation. In an emergency call 112.