Traveller's diarrhoea

"Travel broadens the mind, but loosens the bowels". Traveller's diarrhoea is the most common illness among those who travel to tropical locations and in many parts of the world it is merely a case of when, rather than if.

What is Traveller's Diarrhoea?

Any food or water from an infected source can cause traveller's diarrhoea. Symptoms of traveller's diarrhoea usually begin about three to four days after arrival. It can continue for up to ten days after return. The risk of traveller's diarrhoea is very much related to the destination, level of accommodation and travel habits of the traveller.

Those who only go to 5* hotels will be at a lower risk of traveller's diarrhoea than those eating and living in local accommodation and restaurants. There is some evidence to suggest that those who travel frequently (at least every six months) to developing countries - do build up a limited defense against Traveller's Diarrhoea. However, this is not a life long immunity.

How to Avoid Traveller's Diarrhoea

While in some destinations traveller's diarrhoea will be inevitable to the traveller, some steps can be taken towards prevention and it is important to understand how traveller's diarrhoea is transmitted.

Make sure that meat eaten is well cooked. Avoid seafood and abide by the "cook it, boil it or peel it" rule when eating in local restaurants. Wash salads with a good source of clean water - in fact when eating out avoid salads at all costs in high-risk locations! Avoid any food that has been re-heated and left at room temperature.
Apply strict hygiene while away especially after using the bathroom and before you eat food - never use communal, damp towels in public conveniences! Use disposable paper towels, antibacterial wipes or hot air.
Care with water is essential and this includes ice in drinks at the bar. As well as drinking soft drinks from cans it is good practice in developing countries to use sealed, bottled water, not only for drinking, but also for cleaning teeth and washing fruit.
When swimming avoid swallowing water in swimming pools, lakes or the sea.

Self Treatment of Traveller's Diarrhoea

The first rule when traveller's diarrhoea attacks is to try to get some rest and drink plenty of clear fluids. It is important, especially in hot climates, that you do not become read more