Travelers' diarrhea is the most common travel-related illness. It can occur anywhere, but the highest-risk destinations are in parts of Asia as well as the Middle East, Africa, Mexico, and Central and South America.
Prevention
In otherwise healthy adults, diarrhea is rarely serious or life-threatening, but it can certainly make for an unpleasant trip. Take steps to avoid diarrhea when you travel.
- Eat and drink safely: Choose foods and beverages carefully to lower your risk of diarrhea. Eat only food that is cooked and served hot. (For example, avoid food that has been sitting on a buffet.) Eat raw fruits and vegetables only if you have washed them in clean water or peeled them. Drink only beverages from factory-sealed containers, and avoid ice (because it may have been made from unclean water).
- Keep your hands clean: Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after using the bathroom and before eating. If soap and water aren’t available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer. In general, it’s a good idea to keep your hands away from your mouth.
Treatment
- Fluid replacement: People with diarrhea should drink lots of safe fluids to stay hydrated. This is especially important for young children or adults with chronic illnesses. In serious cases of travelers’ diarrhea, oral rehydration solution—available online or in pharmacies in developing countries—can be used for fluid replacement.
- Antibiotics: Many travelers carry antibiotics with them so they can treat diarrhea early if they start to get sick. The choice of antibiotics varies depending on the destination. Ask your travel medicine provider if you should take an antibiotic on your trip.
- Over-the-counter drugs: Several drugs can be bought over-the-counter to treat the symptoms of diarrhea. These drugs decrease the frequency and urgency of needing to use the bathroom, and they may make it easier for a person with diarrhea to ride on a bus or airplane while waiting for an antibiotic to take effect.
Page reviewed on: Mar 09, 2017
Page reviewed by: Jessie L. Leyse, MD