Traveler's diarrhea in Málaga: when an online GP visit can help

Informational content from Dr. Pedro Yelamo Vera's site. This version is not documented as medically reviewed by him.

If you are on holiday on the Costa del Sol or have just moved to Málaga, it can be hard to know where to go when you feel unwell.

A stomach bug can upset travel, work and holiday plans. It is harder when you do not know the local system. This page explains when a video visit with Dr. Pedro Yelamo Vera can help, when you should go in person, and where to go in Málaga.

Book a video visit€50 · 15 min · Tue · Thu · Fri · Sat

Can an online visit help?

Many uncomplicated cases can be assessed online, provided hydration is possible and no red flags are present.

Common symptoms

Diarrhea while travelling is especially disruptive when you need advice about hydration, food, medication, and whether antibiotics are appropriate in Spain. Traveler's diarrhea may cause:

Frequent loose stools
Urgency
Abdominal cramps
Nausea
Vomiting
Fever
Fatigue
Dehydration

What the doctor can do by video

The doctor will assess duration, stool frequency, blood, fever, vomiting, hydration, recent antibiotics, travel exposures, pregnancy, immune status, and relevant medical conditions. Treatment usually prioritizes:

Oral rehydration and symptom control
Antimotility treatment for immunocompetent adults with acute watery diarrhea, when appropriate
Selective use of antibiotics for severe or high-risk presentations only
Stool testing when diarrhea persists, particularly after 14 days

Antimotility treatment should be avoided when there is fever or inflammatory/bloody diarrhea. Antibiotics are not automatic.

When to go in person or call 112

A video visit is for urgent, non-emergency care. If you have any of the signs below, do not wait for a video visit: go to a hospital emergency department (urgencias) or call 112.

Seek urgent medical attention if you have:

Blood in the stool
High fever
Severe or worsening abdominal pain
Persistent vomiting
Confusion, fainting, or severe dehydration
Very little urine
Severe illness in pregnancy or immune suppression

In a life-threatening emergency, call 112. It is free, works from any phone in Spain, and you can ask for English.

Public hospital emergency departments in Málaga

These public hospitals have emergency departments (urgencias). Go to the nearest one if you have warning signs. Opening and access can change, so check the hospital page if you can.

Hospital Regional Universitario de Málaga (Hospital General)
District: Bailén-Miraflores
Avenida de Carlos Haya, s/n, 29010 Málaga
Hospital Universitario Virgen de la Victoria (Hospital Clínico)
District: Teatinos
Campus Universitario de Teatinos, s/n, 29010 Málaga

Pharmacies on duty in Málaga

Outside normal hours, a pharmacy on duty (farmacia de guardia) stays open in each area. The Málaga College of Pharmacists lists the pharmacies on duty for the city and the province.

Málaga College of Pharmacists (ICOFMA): pharmacies on duty

Public healthcare in Málaga

Public healthcare in Málaga is run by the SAS, the Andalusian health service. Its main hospitals in the city have emergency departments. Dr. Yelamo's practice is private and online: it is not part of the SAS.

Price and days

Urgent Care video visit: €50 for 15 minutes, paid online when you book. No subscription. You get an itemised invoice for your insurer.
Visits run on Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday. You get a secure video link by email and WhatsApp.
A private electronic prescription under Spanish law is issued only if clinically indicated after a video assessment. It is never guaranteed.
You must be in Spain at the start of the visit.