How To Avoid Travelers Diarrhea
Avoiding traveler’s diarrhea—a common illness caused by ingesting contaminated food or water while traveling—mainly involves safe food and water practices, good hygiene, and sometimes preventive medication or vaccines.
💩 What Causes Traveler’s Diarrhea?
Mostly bacteria (like E. coli), but sometimes viruses or parasites. It’s most common in parts of:
- Central & South America
- Africa
- Asia
- The Middle East
🛡️ How To Avoid Traveler’s Diarrhea
✅ 1. Watch What You Eat
- Only eat food that is:
- Fully cooked and served hot
- Freshly peeled fruits/vegetables (e.g., bananas, oranges)
- Avoid:
- Street food (unless freshly cooked and steaming hot)
- Raw or undercooked meat/seafood
- Unwashed salads or garnishes
- Unpasteurized dairy
🥗 “Boil it, cook it, peel it, or forget it.”
✅ 2. Be Smart About Water
- Only drink:
- Sealed bottled water (check cap seal)
- Boiled water
- Filtered/purified water (portable filters or iodine/chlorine tablets)
- Avoid:
- Tap water (even for brushing teeth)
- Ice cubes (made from tap water)
- Fountain drinks or diluted juices
💧 When in doubt, disinfect or use bottled water.
✅ 3. Use Hand Hygiene Religiously
- Wash hands with soap and water often (especially before eating)
- Carry alcohol-based hand sanitizer (≥60% alcohol) for backup
- Don’t touch your mouth or eyes unless your hands are clean
✅ 4. Take Probiotics or Preventive Meds (Optional)
- Daily probiotics (like Saccharomyces boulardii or Lactobacillus) may help reduce risk
- In high-risk areas or for high-risk individuals, ask your doctor about:
- Bismuth subsalicylate (Pepto-Bismol) tablets
- Antibiotics (e.g., ciprofloxacin or azithromycin) for prevention or early treatment
⚠️ Antibiotics are not usually needed unless you’re high-risk or traveling to areas with poor sanitation.
✅ 5. Be Careful With Personal Hygiene
- Use hand sanitizer after handling local money, public surfaces, or pets
- Avoid swallowing water when swimming in lakes, rivers, or pools (unless properly treated)
🧳 Quick Summary: How to Avoid Traveler’s Diarrhea
| Risk Factor | Safer Choice |
|---|---|
| Tap water | Bottled, boiled, or filtered water |
| Street food | Cooked hot meals from trusted vendors |
| Raw produce | Peeled or cooked vegetables |
| Ice in drinks | Avoid unless made with safe water |
| Hygiene | Wash/sanitize hands before eating |
| Medication | Pepto-Bismol or probiotics if needed |