When prepping for travel, people often worry about forgetting their bathing suits or dealing with unexpected rain. However, it's equally important to consider how your body might react to international cuisine and refreshments. Traveler's diarrhea (TD) is a prevalent issue among international sightseers that can spoil any trip. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Yellow Book, TD attacks affect 30-70% of travelers over two weeks, depending on the destination and season of travel. Arming yourself with the knowledge to prevent and manage TD can make all the difference in ensuring a relaxing and enjoyable vacation.
What is traveler's diarrhea?
Traveler's diarrhea (TD) is loose, watery bowel movements that may occur during travel. The primary sources of TD are contaminated foods or drinks. In some cases, new foods and travel stress can also trigger diarrhea.
While TD is usually not serious, with bowel movements generally returning to normal quickly, preventing dehydration is crucial. Drinking plenty of fluids is vital to a swift recovery.
What are the symptoms of traveler's diarrhea?
TD symptoms can range from mild to severe and typically appear within the first two weeks of travel, usually within two to three days of arriving in a developing area. Symptoms that accompany TD include:
- Abdominal cramps.
- Mild to severe dehydration.
- General lack of energy, nausea and vomiting.
Fever, vomiting and stools with blood or mucus are the telltale signs of a more severe stomach bug. These symptoms increase the risk of dehydration, which may alter the effect of any medications you take, such as oral contraceptives or antimalarials.
What causes traveler's diarrhea?
Bacterial infections are the primary cause of TD, the most prevalent being Escherichia coli (E. coli), Salmonella, Campylobacter or Shigella. These bacteria thrive in water contaminated by human or animal feces. Common sources of these diarrhea-inducing bacteria are:
- Drinking water
- Contaminated ice cubes
- Water used to wash food
- Irrigation water
- Raw or uncooked food
How can I prevent traveler's diarrhea?
The best way to prevent TD is to avoid food or water that may be contaminated. Consuming raw or undercooked seafood and meat increases your risk of getting sick. It's also wise to steer clear of foods like salads, uncooked vegetables and raw fruits that don't have a peel. Dry foods, such as breads or fruits that you can peel, are generally safe to eat.
The CDC encourages travelers to be mindful of drinking water sources.
Factory-sealed bottled water is the safest option, but it can still pose risks depending on the water's source and treatment. Beverages that are usually safe to drink include:
- Tea and coffee made with boiled water
- Carbonated bottled water or soda pop
- Bottled beer and wine
Water can also be filtered or treated with iodine to make it safe to drink. However, be cautious, as contaminated water may have been used to wash fruits, vegetables, utensils and plates. Even brushing your teeth with untreated water can increase your risk of infection.
Avoid eating food from street vendors where flies can transmit bacteria, and poor hygiene practices are more likely to contaminate foods. If you purchase food at an outdoor market, boil it, cook it thoroughly or peel it before you eat it.
Closing remarks
Good handwashing is essential in preventing the spread of infectious diseases, including TD. Washing with treated water or using alcohol wipes or antibacterial gels to disinfect your hands is an excellent way to reduce your risk of contracting an infection. Remember to wash your hands before eating or preparing food, after using the bathroom and touching animals or their waste.
Speak with your primary care doctor about antibiotics you can bring on your trip and instructions on when to use them if you develop diarrhea. To find a provider or schedule an appointment, call our 24/7 access line at (206) 785-2631.
Copyrighted material adapted with permission from Healthwise, Incorporated. This information does not replace the advice of a doctor.
