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Advice on effects of long travel sought.

(6 Posts)
Poppygirl Mon 03-Aug-26 14:16:36

Is it possible to be ill simply from a long day of travel without there being an underlying health problem? Our journey entailed a small-hours-of-the-morning rising and 3-hour drive (our son driving) to catch the first of two flights (both only around 2 hours long), and then a 4-hour drive from the airport with my husband (63) driving, to arrive home around 18:00. We were both tired, of course, and went to bed before 21:00. A few hours later he awoke and rushed to the bathroom to vomit, whereupon he then collapsed on the floor. He felt so weak he was unable to move for about 30 minutes, and I was unable to lift him. At last he summoned the energy to rise and, with my help, stagger back to bed. He remained there till morning and was not sick again, but still felt very weak and unwell for the rest of that day. The next day he was much improved. Is this just something that some people are susceptible to, or is it a sign of something else? Any advice please?

SueDonim Mon 03-Aug-26 14:27:34

I’ve been sick or had a migraine after a long journey, especially if food has been irregular or not to my taste or I’ve been dehydrated, so I think it could happen. However, I’ve never been collapsed on a floor. Does your Dh have a temperature or other signs of illness? If he’s feeling better, that’s obviously good, maybe make sure he has some rehydrate solution as well.

IWasFirstClarinet Mon 03-Aug-26 14:34:16

It sounds to be more than tiredness. I am in my eighties and until recently I used to do long-haul flights to Penang in Malaysia. Around 14 hours, then there was the cab ride to the airport and again in the resort itself. We were very tired, yes, but no more. My wife and I never vomited or collapsed and we did this every year for ages. I think he should be checked out by a doctor, although at first description it sounds like some sort of allergy or maybe food intolerance? I assume you ate the same meals on the journey?

Lathyrus3 Mon 03-Aug-26 14:35:27

Personally I would be referring this to a doctor.

That’s just my opinion though.

J52 Mon 03-Aug-26 14:47:11

Were you able to take his pulse or blood pressure?
We keep a blood pressure monitor at home and DH wears his Apple Watch at night to monitor his health, after a couple of friends had funny turns at night. Might be worth considering a smart watch, purely as a precaution.I hope he’s fully recovered now.

Plevey08 Mon 03-Aug-26 15:53:13

I agree with Lathyrus and see your GP as the collapsing is a bit extreme. The vomiting could be a virus or eating something dodgy. But I'm also thinking blood sugar levels with the collapsing and weakness. So probably best to get checked out.