EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT TRAVELLER’S DIARRHOEA

Travelling is always an exciting experience, but it can come with it challenges. Traveller’s diarrhoea is one of the most common travel-related illnesses and it can put a damper on any vacation.

Fortunately, there are some very effective treatments available that can help ease the symptoms of traveller’s diarrhoea and ensure that you get back to enjoying your vacation in no time.

There is nothing more exciting than finally arriving at your holiday destination after months of planning the perfect trip. You are a few days into exploring this beautiful destination and indulging in the delicious local cuisine, when you suddenly fall ill with diarrhoea and have to spend the remainder of the holiday in your bathroom.

What is traveller's diarrhoea

Traveller’s diarrhoea is a gastrointestinal infection that occurs during or shortly after travel, which causes loose stools and stomach cramps. This condition is usually caused by consuming food or water contaminated with bacteria, viruses, or parasites and generally lasts for 1 – 2 days, but it can last for longer in some people.

Symptoms of traveller’s diarrhoea

The most common symptoms of traveller’s diarrhoea are:

Abrupt onset of three or more loose watery stools a day
An urgent need to defaecate
Abdominal cramps
Nausea
Vomiting
Fever

Traveller’s diarrhoea can significantly affect your travel plans and overall well-being. It can lead to dehydration, weakness, and loss of appetite, making it difficult to enjoy your trip. Moreover, it can disrupt your daily activities and limit your exploration of new destinations. Therefore, it is essential to be aware of preventive measures and effective treatment options.

Prevention is the best cure

When it comes to traveller’s diarrhoea, prevention is often the best way to go. Here are some tips to prevent traveller’s diarrhoea:

Drink bottled water or use a water purification system to ensure safe drinking water.
Avoid consuming raw or undercooked foods, particularly meat, seafood, and eggs.
Thoroughly wash or peel fruit before eating.
Wash your hands frequently with soap and water, especially before eating.
Use alcohol-based hand sanitisers when soap and water are unavailable.
Be cautious about street food and choose reputable establishments for meals.
Treatment options available.

In most cases, traveller’s diarrhoea does go away on its own after a few days. However, there are medications available that can help you get better faster, like Tasectan. Tasectan is a clinically proven, safe and effective diarrhoea treatment for all ages and stages of your life. Find out more here. While it may be tempting to use other over-the-counter anti-motility medications, like loperamide, these treatments can sometimes trap the infectious agents in your gut, prolonging the illness. It’s best to consult a healthcare professional before using them, especially if you have a fever or bloody stools.