What Happens If You Need Antibiotics While Traveling?
Hi, I’m Dr. Pablo Rossi, founder of TravelDoc. I’ve been working with travelers for years, and one of the most common—and stressful—situations they face is needing antibiotics while abroad.
You’re feeling unwell. Maybe it’s a sore throat that won’t go away, a sinus infection, or a UTI (urinary tract infection). You search “urgent care near me” or “English speaking doctor” and find a maze of clinics, unfamiliar rules, and lots of uncertainty.
So let’s break it down:
What should you do if you need antibiotics while traveling?
1. You usually can’t just walk into a pharmacy
In many countries, including most of Europe and Latin America, you need a prescription to get antibiotics. Even if you know exactly what you need—say, you’ve had UTIs before—it doesn’t matter. Pharmacies will politely refuse unless you have a valid doctor’s script.
Some travelers try to bring leftover antibiotics from home. I get it—but please don’t self-medicate. Using the wrong antibiotic (or taking it for something viral, like a sore throat) can do more harm than good.
2. The challenge: finding the right doctor
This is where it gets tricky. You’re in a foreign country, maybe on limited data or unfamiliar with the healthcare system. Public hospitals might involve long waits. Local clinics might not speak English. And Google’s “doctor near me” search often leads to dead ends.
That’s exactly why I created TravelDoc.
We offer video consultations with licensed, English-speaking doctors. No apps to download, no complicated booking systems. Just a secure link, a conversation with a real doctor, and—if needed—a prescription that works where you are.
3. What we treat (and prescribe for)
If our doctor confirms that antibiotics are appropriate, we can issue prescriptions for conditions like:
- Bacterial tonsillitis
- Sinus infections
- Urinary tract infections (UTIs)
- Skin infections
- Traveler’s diarrhea (in certain cases)
We always follow local prescription laws and make sure the medication recommended is available at your location.
In Spain, for example, prescriptions are strictly regulated. But with our system, we can issue a valid electronic prescription that you can take to any pharmacy—no hassle, no lost time.
4. Final advice: don’t wait it out if it’s getting worse
A mild UTI or sore throat can escalate quickly if left untreated, especially while you’re traveling, under stress, or dehydrated. If your symptoms are persistent or getting worse, don’t wait until you’re flying home.
You can reach out to us anytime—our doctors are available 24/7 for quick, private, and safe consultations.
Need help now?
Visit traveldoctores.com to talk to a doctor within minutes. Whether you’re in Madrid, Lisbon, Buenos Aires, or on a beach in Mexico, we’re here to help you feel better—and fast.
Safe travels,
Dr. Pablo Rossi
TravelDoc – Healthcare for Travelers
