MedicineNet.com
About Us | Privacy Policy | Site Map
November 24, 2009
MedicineNet home Picture Slideshows Diseases and conditions Symptoms and signs Procedures and tests Medications Health and Living Picture Image Collection MedTerms medical dictionary
Font Size
A
A
A

Traveler's Diarrhea (cont.)

How can travelers' diarrhea be prevented?

Since food is the major source of infection, close attention to diet is of foremost importance in the prevention of travelers' diarrhea. Foods should be well-cooked and served warm. Raw vegetables, uncooked meat or seafood, and other foods maintained at room temperature should be avoided. Dairy products, tap water and ice (including frozen drinks not made from filtered water) are also high-risk foods. Carbonated beverages, beer and wine, hot coffee and tea, fruits that can be peeled, and canned products generally are safe. The risk for developing diarrhea increases when eating at restaurants and when purchasing food from street vendors. Also, frequent hand washing with soap and clean water will decrease the likelihood of the bacteria's spread.

Travelers' Diarrhea At A Glance

  • Travelers' diarrhea is a gastrointestinal illness that occurs in travelers.

  • Travelers' diarrhea usually is caused by eating food contaminated with bacteria or, less commonly, with parasites or viruses.

  • Travelers' diarrhea usually is mild and self-limited to a few days or a week.

  • The treatment of travelers' diarrhea is usually plenty of oral liquids as well as over-the-counter medications that control diarrhea and cramps.

  • Antibiotic prophylaxis (prevention) for travelers' diarrhea is available but is not recommended generally.

Last Editorial Review: 11/16/2007




Printer-Friendly Format  |  Email to a Friend


Suggested Reading by Our Doctors
MedicineNet Doctors
  • ciprofloxacin, Cipro, Cipro XR, Proquin XR - Clarifies the medication ciprofloxacin (Cipro, Cipro XR) a drug used to treat infections of the skin, lungs, airways, bones, and joints caused by susceptible bacteria. Article includes descriptions, uses, drug interactions, and side effects.
  • Abdominal Pain - Learn about abdominal pain (pain in the stomach / abdomen) including causes, symptoms, how abdominal pain is diagnosed, and how abdominal pain is treated.
  • doxycycline, Vibramycin, Oracea, Adoxa, Atridox and Others - Learn more about Doxycycline, including a description, generic and brand names, drug class and mechanism, preparations, storage, reasons for prescription, dosing, drug interactions, effect on pregnancy and nursing mothers, and common side effects.

Latest Medical News


GI Disorders

Get the latest treatment options.


Are you Depressed? Take the Quiz

Your Guide to Symptoms & Signs: Pinpoint Your Pain












Health categories:

Slideshows | Diseases & Conditions | Symptoms & Signs | Procedures & Tests | Medications | Health & Living | News & Views | Medical Dictionary

Popular health centers:

Allergies | Arthritis | Cancer | Diabetes | Digestion | Healthy Kids | Heart | Men's Health | Mental Health | Women's Health | More...

Publications:

ePublications (PDFs) | XML News via RSS | Audio Podcasts | Email Newsletters

MedicineNet.com:

About Us | Privacy Policy | Site Map | WebMD® | Medscape® | eMedicine® | eMedicineHealth® | RxList®

This website is certified by Health On the Net Foundation. Click to verify. This site complies to the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information:
verify here.

©1996-2009 MedicineNet, Inc. All rights reserved. Notices and Legal Disclaimer.
MedicineNet does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. See additional information.