Many recent arrivals to a foreign destination will experience a 'funny tummy', a digestive complaint which is best known as a 'stomach upset'. Although this type of illness is generally not dangerous, it can ruin a sufferer's holiday, and lead to hospitalisation for complications such as dehydration. Scientific research about the breeding patterns of bacteria has led health experts to call into question stomach bugs which arise on the first two days of a vacation overseas. The immune system of an everyday UK citizen is unaccustomed to foreign germs. Exposure to harmful bacteria through contaminated food or water can spark a sudden, explosive sickness. Yet some researchers now believe that for people becoming ill in the first few days of their holiday, there might be a less exotic explanation.

With the cost cutting approach of low cost airlines, many short haul flights have discontinued serving meals. Eating in the airport has become more fashionable, and numerous people eat a complete meal in the departure lounge cafe to to give them the get-up-and-go for their flight. The food is often buffet style, and is left sweating under hot lights. For individuals taking an early morning flight, the hushed airport means that food could have been there for many hours. I paid for eat as much as you like said Tony from Winchester, but I asked for my money back. When I got to the buffet there were 3 flies on the sausages. I felt ill, and in all likelihood would have been, if I d eaten the meal. Whilst foreign microbes do pose a danger to the digestive systems of UK tourists, people falling sick during the beginning three days of their stay, should visit the doctor to find out the roots of the problem. As Tony revealed, it might be closer to home than you believe.