With increased summer and fall travel, there is often a rise in illnesses acquired while traveling. One of the most frequently seen of these are gastrointestinal (GI) illnesses, commonly referred to as traveler’s diarrhea. This condition is characterized by three or more loose stools per day, often accompanied by symptoms such as abdominal pain or cramps, which develop after arrival at a travel destination.
What is Traveler’s Diarrhea?
According to the CDC, traveler’s diarrhea is one of the most predictable travel-related illnesses, affecting 30%-70% of travelers during a two-week trip. This illness is often self-diagnosed and can be caused by bacteria, viruses, or parasites.
Clinical Signs and When to Seek Medical Attention
Though identifying the specific cause is unnecessary in most cases, certain symptoms warrant diagnostic testing:
- Colitis symptoms or fever: Consider stool culture or GI panel testing (bacterial causes are more likely).
- Upper gastrointestinal symptoms: Testing for Giardia may be appropriate.
- Persistent diarrhea lasting more than two weeks: Testing for parasites is recommended.
Prevention Tips for Traveler’s Diarrhea
1. Water Precautions
In developing countries, safe water may not always be available. Here’s how to stay safe:
- Use sealed bottled water or chemically treated, filtered, or boiled water for drinking and brushing teeth.
- Ensure that beverages like tea and coffee are made with boiled water.
- At altitudes above 6,500 feet, water should be boiled for at least three minutes.
- Always carry safe water if you are unsure about local water availability.
2. Food Precautions
- Avoid street food from vendors without proper hygiene access.
- Eat cooked, hot food, and avoid raw, undercooked, or cold meats, seafood, and fish.
- Wash raw fruits and vegetables in clean water or peel them.
- Avoid unpasteurized dairy products and food that has not been properly refrigerated.
- Skip buffet food, as it may have been left out for long periods.
Additional Travel Health Tips
1. Choose Food and Drinks Carefully
Only consume food that is thoroughly cooked and served hot. Avoid drinks made with ice from unsafe water and eat raw produce only if washed with clean water or peeled.
2. Wash Your Hands Regularly
Wash your hands with soap and water often, especially before eating or after using the bathroom. If unavailable, use alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
3. Stay Hydrated
In case you develop diarrhea, drinking plenty of fluids is essential to prevent dehydration. For severe cases, use oral rehydration solutions, which are widely available in pharmacies.
4. Use Over-the-Counter Medications
Medications such as loperamide can reduce the frequency and urgency of bowel movements, making travel more manageable. However, antibiotics should be used only for severe cases and according to a doctor’s advice.
Other Travel Health Considerations
1. Get Recommended Vaccinations
Before traveling, consider the following vaccinations:
- Hepatitis A and B
- Typhoid
- Yellow Fever (if traveling to certain parts of Africa and South America)
- Rabies (for travelers to remote areas)
- Tetanus, Diphtheria, and Pertussis (Tdap)
- Malaria prophylaxis (if traveling to malaria-prone areas)
2. Prevent Mosquito Bites
- Use insect repellents with DEET or picaridin.
- Sleep under mosquito nets if needed.
- Wear long-sleeved clothes, especially during peak mosquito activity.
3. Stay Protected from the Sun
For those heading to sunny or tropical locations, pack sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses, and reapply sunscreen after swimming.
4. Travel Insurance and Health Kit
Ensure your travel insurance covers health emergencies. Pack a basic health kit including prescription medications, pain relievers, anti-diarrheal drugs, rehydration salts, and insect repellents.
For more information on staying healthy while traveling, or or to schedule travel vaccines or speak to a nurse for travel vaccine recommendations, call Chaffee County Public Health at 719-539-4510.