Most people contract traveler's diarrhea when visiting developing countries where sanitation may be questionable and water sources not reliably pure. When traveling to a new country where the food may be significantly different, you may also experience stomach upset and diarrhea simply because your digestive system is not accustomed to the different foods or because you are anxious. Diarrhea from these causes is usually short lived, but true traveler's diarrhea-which can be quite severe and can last a long time-is the result of ingesting food or water that contains contaminants such as a virus, bacteria or parasites.
When traveling to a developing country, it is best to visit your doctor before your trip to get a thorough physical and to ask if there are any kinds of vaccinations or precautions you should take while traveling.
While in the developing country, drink only bottled water, carbonated soda, sealed beverages-such as juices or iced teas-and hot drinks. If you are offered ice, ask if it was made with bottled water or tap water; do not accept it if it was made with tap water. Make sure you break the seal on all bottled beverages yourself instead of accepting pre-poured beverages that may have been diluted with local ice or local tap water.
Be careful what you eat as well. Do not eat raw fruit or raw vegetables unless you are able to wash them in bottled water and peel them yourself. This includes salads and local fruit. Decline any offers of raw fish or meat, and ask that your meat be cooked well. If your food is not hot when it arrives at your table, ask for it to be reheated; do not eat cold food that should be hot. You want to make sure you are being served hot, fresh food that has been cooked to a temperature that kills bacteria and viruses.
If you choose to drink milk, make sure it has been pasteurized.
Do not eat food from street vendors.
When brushing your teeth, use bottled water. Do not open your mouth in the shower.
If you do develop traveler's diarrhea and it lasts for over 72 hours, see a doctor to make sure you don't need medication to kill off a virus or bacterial infection. The doctor will recommend the appropriate diarrhea treatment for your situation. Because the main concern with diarrhea is dehydration, you'll want to drink a lot of bottled water or bottled electrolyte replacement drinks.
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If you're worried that diarrhea may be contagious, read this primer on preventing the spread of diarrhea. |
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