Travel Advice

Traveler‘s Diarrhea

Unfortunately, traveler’s diarrhea affects up to half of all travelers to developing countries. There are ways to try and protect yourself though.

• Food:

  • Avoid salads, raw vegetables, fruits that cannot be peeled, and cold foods that may have been washed in contaminated water
  • Avoid buffets or foods that have been sitting out for a long time
  • Do not eat raw or undercooked meat or seafood
  • Avoid milk and dairy products, which may be unpasteurized
  • Avoid food from street vendors
  • Carry hand sanitizer at all times and use frequently, w ash hands with soap prior to eating

• Water:

  • Boiling water for 3 minutes is the safest way to disinfect it
  • Drink only bottled water or juices, make sure bottles are unopened and have an intact seal
  • Do not use ice made from tap water
  • Used bottled water to brush your teeth
  • Consider disinfecting water with iodine tablets (unless pregnant or have a thyroid condition) or using a portable water filter

• How is traveler’s diarrhea treated?

  • Rehydration is the most important part of treatment
  • Drink fluids (bottled or boiled only)
  • Oral rehydration solution is readily available around the world
  • Loperamide can be used for symptomatic relief (it should not be used if you have fever or bloody stools)
  • Antibiotics are sometimes prescribed by travel physicians to help shorten duration of illness

• Sun Safety

  Sun exposure can damage your skin leading to skin cancer. It is important to protect yourself while traveling.

  • Wear protective clothing, hats and sunglasses
  • Limit sun exposure, especially during peak hours of 10AM – 2PM
  • Apply sunscreen prior to mosquito repellents
  • Use sunscreens with SPF 30 or higher. Reapply frequently, especially after swimming or sweating
  • If sunburn does occur, use cool compresses, soothing lotions/aloe

• Water Safety

  Water activities (swimming, boating) can be an entertaining part of any vacation, but there are also risks involved. In developing countries , lakes, rivers, and beaches can be breeding grounds for water borne illnesses.

  • Avoid swimming in standing water
  • Avoid swallowing water or submerging your head
  • Wear protective sandals
  • Use hand sanitizer after swimming
  • Do not dive headfirst into unknown waters
  • Always wear proper fitting life jackets when participating in any water sports