Staying Healthy While Traveling

This article on avoiding Traveler’s Diarrhea comes from Dr. Michael Kirsch, who writes the Travelogue Blog and co-founded www.travelclinicsofamerica.com.

Traveler’s diarrhea (TD) is the most common infectious disease affecting international travelers. The vast majority of these cases are caused by bacteria, with viruses and parasites accounting for about 20% of cases. This disease can be effectively prevented and treated, if it strikes.

Are You Prepared?

Boil it, Cook it, Peel it or Forget it has been standard advice to travelers to reduce risk of TD. While we endorse this common sense strategy, surprisingly, there is little evidence supporting it in medical journals. In fact, there is only 1 medical study that concludes that being careful with food and beverages can reduce your chance of developing traveler’s diarrhea. Nevertheless, this recommendation makes sense. Keep in mind that we physicians commonly offer medical advice that we believe is sound, but may not be proven scientifically. For many medical conditions, proof that our advice is correct may be 15-20 years away, and we need to advise patients today.

New Developments in Traveler’s Diarrhea

• Some TD strains are now resistant to standard antibiotics. Your travel doctor will review your destinations and will prescribe the proper medicines to you.
• TD can develop into a chronic condition called irritable bowel syndrome, when diarrhea and cramps may become a permanent part of your life. Consider this when you are faced with food and beverage choices abroad.
• Active research for a travel vaccine against traveler’s diarrhea is ongoing, but we’re not there yet.
• Which of the following options would you prefer?
• Prevent TD altogether
• Treat it with medication when it occurs to shorten the illness
• Eat, drink, be merry and sprint several times a day to rest rooms and pray that you never encounter a sign that reads, Occupied!

Montezuma has had his revenge with travelers for too long. It’s time for traveler’s to take revenge on him. Our advice? Eat, drink and be careful!

Michael Kirsch, M.D. is a full time practicing physician and author. He is one of the founders of Travel Clinics of America, a national network of physicians that provides international travelers with expert travel advice and vaccinations in their own communities.  Before you travel, visit www.travelclinicsofamerica.com