How to prevent traveler’s diarrhea from ruining your next trip

When summer travel ramps up, so does your risk of tummy troubles. One of the more common travel-related illnesses is traveler’s diarrhea.

You have the highest risk of developing the illness if you’re visiting a place where the water may be unsafe or the food isn’t handled properly.

“Traveler’s diarrhea is often marked by loose stools, stomach cramps, nausea or an urgent need to use the bathroom,” says Dr. Tony Hampton, a family medicine physician at Advocate Health Care. “It’s very common and is rarely life-threatening, but it can make your trip more unpleasant. The goal is to protect your gut before the problem starts.”

How to avoid traveler’s diarrhea

There are steps you can take to help protect your digestive system while traveling:

• Eat foods that are cooked and served hot
• Drink bottled water or factory-sealed beverages instead of tap water
• Avoid ice made from unsafe water sources
• Avoid food that’s been sitting out on a buffet
• Eat raw fruits and vegetables only if they’ve been washed in clean water or peeled
• Wash hands frequently, especially after using the bathroom and before eating
• Keep your hands away from your mouth
• Don’t eat raw or undercooked meat, fish or shellfish
• Use bottled water to brush your teeth
• Be cautious when buying food from street vendors, especially if the food isn’t freshly cooked and served hot
• Use hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol if soap and water aren’t available

How to treat traveler’s diarrhea

There isn’t a vaccine to prevent traveler’s diarrhea, but there are a few actions you can take to manage its symptoms:

• Drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration
• Consider oral rehydration solution or electrolyte fluids, especially if your symptoms are more severe
• Eat small, simple meals as tolerated, including salty foods
• Consider over-the-counter antidiarrheal medications for symptom relief, but avoid using them if you have a fever or bloody stool

“Getting traveler’s diarrhea can feel scary, especially when you are away from home, but most cases are mild and clear up on their own,” says Dr. Hampton. “The biggest concern is dehydration. If you develop a fever, bloody stool, severe abdominal pain, signs of dehydration or symptoms that are not improving, you should contact a health care provider immediately.”

Find a travel medicine clinic near you: Illinois | Wisconsin