Why do travelers get stomach infections/food poisoning in Hurghada and what medicine helps?

From messages by 3 participants in 2 sources · Last activity: 46 days ago

TL;DR

Stomach infections and rotavirus are common even in good Hurghada hotels, sometimes spreading from one family member to another within days. Locally made medicine like Egyptian ibuprofen (Brufen) is often described as working better than the same drug bought back home.

What the community said

One long-stay traveler reported only one stomach illness in four months and recommends avoiding swimming pools as a precaution. They also drink cola with made-to-order meals in cafés and restaurants, though this is a personal observation rather than medical advice.

swimming pool

According to a traveler, locally sold over-the-counter medicines in Egyptian pharmacies—including heartburn remedies and migraine painkillers—can be much cheaper and still work well.

A stomach bug (likely rotavirus) can spread through a family with a 1-2 day gap between cases — husband got sick first, wife two days later, child stayed fine. This can happen at any hotel regardless of rating.

rotavirus

Many travelers notice their stomach handles food and alcohol far worse back home than in Egypt — in Hurghada they can eat almost anything without issues, but symptoms like heartburn kick in right after returning home.

Local ibuprofen (Brufen) bought at an Egyptian pharmacy worked fast during illness, while the same brand taken later back home had zero effect.

Brufen