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| Avoiding illness while traveling |
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There are several ways you can avoid and treat the symptoms brought on by
Montezuma's revenge. But first it's important to understand what causes it.
Though not a pleasant topic, it's one that should be seriously considered by
every traveler. In fact, the World Health Organization believes that between 20
and 50 percent of the millions of people who travel each year for business or
pleasure are affected by this ailment.
Traveler's diarrhea (TD) is usually triggered by poor sanitation conditions and
acquired through the ingestion of contaminated food or water, though it may be
aggravated by factors such as fatigue, jet lag, and a change in diet or
climate. Typical symptoms of this infection, which usually last for three to
seven days, include diarrhea, nausea, abdominal cramps, bloating, fever, and
malaise. It's most common in the developing countries of Africa, the Middle
East, Asia, and Latin America. (Keep in mind, however, that most resort areas
in these countries have water purification systems.) Lower-risk destinations
include the United States, Canada, Northern Europe, Australia, New Zealand, and
many of the Caribbean islands.
To lessen your chances of contracting TD, be extremely careful about the food
you eat and beverages you drink while traveling in high-risk countries. Here
are some specific tips:
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Drink only bottled water or water that has been boiled vigorously for several
minutes. Allow it to cool before drinking and do not add ice cubes as they may
be unsafe. Also, do not brush your teeth with untreated tap water if you think
it might be contaminated.
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Brand-name, canned, or bottled carbonated beverages, beer, and wine are
generally safe, provided they are topped off with a serrated seal (versus a
screw top or cork). Be careful to wipe the surface area of the can or bottle
that touches your mouth, as it may have come in contact with tainted ice or
water.
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If you cannot boil your water, purify it through chemical treatment. Chlorine
tablets kill most bacteria, but not all of them. Iodine is more effective, but
too much of it can be harmful. It's available at sporting goods stores and
pharmacies in the form of tablets, tinctures, and crystals, and can be mixed
with flavored powder to help disguise the taste.
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Food should also be handled with care. Raw meat, shellfish, salads, fresh fruit
(unless you can remove the peel), uncooked vegetables, and unpasteurized milk
products may all be hazardous to your health.
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Infants under the age of six months should be breast fed or given powdered
commercial formula prepared with boiled water.
Along with being vigilant about what you eat and drink, you may want to take a
daily dose of Pepto-Bismol (or a similar product), which appears to be an
effective preventative agent for TD. The pink potion is not without its side
effects, however. Constipation and temporary blackening of the stools and
tongue can be expected, and some people (those who are allergic to aspirin or
who are taking anticoagulants, for example) should avoid taking it altogether.
Check with your physician before taking this over-the-counter medication, and
bring a supply along with you in case it's hard to find while traveling abroad.
If you do become ill with TD, it's important to replace the fluids and salts
your body has lost. The best way to achieve this is to take an oral rehydration
solution (ORS), such as the one offered by the World Health Organization. These
ORS packets can be found at stores and pharmacies of most developing countries.
If you can't find the packets, prepare your own solution by mixing six
teaspoons of sugar and one teaspoon of salt with one liter of safe water. Drink
this concoction after each stool until they return to normal.
Antidiarrheals (such as Immodium AD) can lessen stomach cramps and decrease the
number of diarrheal stools, but can cause complications in persons with serious
infections. Also, your physician may be able to prescribe an antimicrobial drug
(such as Bactrim) that may shorten the length of your illness.
We're sure these tips will help you ward off intestinal distress, or deal with
it swiftly if it does strike--leaving you time to concentrate on enjoying your
vacation.
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