Don’t let traveler’s diarrhea ruin your next trip. Know the common causes, learn the best ways to avoid it, and equip yourself with tools for fast relief.
Montezuma’s revenge, Dehli Belly, Turkey Trots – no matter the name, diarrhea is the one experience no traveler wants. Depending on the destination and season of travel, up to 70% of travelers and backpackers will experience traveler’s diarrhea, making it the most common travel-related illness. Prepare for your next trip by learning the most common causes and arming yourself with tips to relieve traveler’s diarrhea fast.
Traveler’s Diarrhea Causes & Symptoms
Traveler’s diarrhea is typically caused by human contact or consuming contaminated food or water. You can contract traveler’s diarrhea from prepared foods, tap water, ice, unpeeled fruits and vegetables, or swimming areas abroad.
The main symptom of traveler’s diarrhea is the urgent passage of numerous loose and watery stools. Less common symptoms include abdominal cramps, nausea, vomiting, and fever.
How to Avoid Traveler’s Diarrhea
To reduce your risk of traveler’s diarrhea wash your hands frequently and drink only bottled water and beverages. Be careful to avoid drinks with ice made from unfiltered water. Avoid raw vegetables and fruit, opting for cooked whenever possible. When eating out, look for restaurants and food stations that follow hygienic practices like wearing gloves, using utensils to serve food, and keeping prepared foods covered.
In addition to avoiding certain food and drinks, be wary of swimming. Accidentally ingesting contaminated water while swimming is a common cause of traveler’s diarrhea.
A Better Way to Treat Traveler’s Diarrhea
Traveler’s diarrhea cannot always be avoided. When it does happens, reach for DiaResQ, formulated to rapidly reach the intestine where diarrhea starts. Take DiaResQ® at the first sign of symptoms for quick relief.