Managing an Unhappy Gut While Traveling
6 TIPS TO PREVENT AND TREAT TRAVELER'S DIARRHEA
Updated August 2024
The CDC estimates that as many as 70% of international travelers experience traveler’s diarrhea. There is no good time for this, but it can be particularly disruptive and annoying on a trip away from home. Here are 6 tips on how to prevent and treat traveler’s diarrhea.
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1. PRACTICE GOOD HAND HYGIENE
Good hand hygiene goes a long way to keeping you healthy. Germs are everywhere and some can make you sick. Washing your hands is a simple and effective way to reduce your risk of getting sick. Consider carrying hand sanitizer or wipes for those times when a sink or bathroom is not nearby.
2. CHOOSE WHAT YOU EAT AND DRINK WISELY
Exploring local cuisine is one of my favorite parts of traveling but it can come at a cost. Travelers are often told “If you can’t peel it, boil it, or cook it, don’t eat it!” This may or may not be realistic for you. I know it wasn’t for me in Vietnam. Regardless, be aware that what you eat and drink can make you sick while traveling so exercise caution accordingly.
3. IMODIUM
Imodium (loperamide) is a good over-the-counter option for managing traveler’s diarrhea in adults and children age 6 and up. You can take multiple doses per day, if needed, but be sure to follow the package instructions. Keep in mind that if symptoms worsen or do not improve, you may need an additional or alternative treatment. Do not rely just on Imodium.
4. HYDRATION SALTS/POWDER
Your body loses a lot of water if you have diarrhea. Simply drinking more water may not be enough to rehydrate. You also need salt, electrolytes and even some sugar. Hydration salts/powder are perfect for this! Mix with clean, safe water and drink to restore your body’s balance and get you back to feeling like yourself sooner. These are a mainstay in my travel bag!
5. VACCINES
You can prevent traveler’s diarrhea in some cases with vaccines, such as typhoid and cholera. Depending on your destination, you may be at risk for these diseases. Be sure to consult a healthcare provider that specializes in travel medicine before you leave to determine what is right for you.
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6. PRESCRIPTION TREATMENT OPTIONS
When all else fails, and if symptoms are not severe, you can take antibiotics to treat traveler’s diarrhea. It is best to get these before leaving the US because it is more convenient and you do not have to worry about being given counterfeit medications, which is unfortunately very common. The good news is that it is usually inexpensive, but you do need a prescription. When I prescribe these, I always tell my patients “I hope you don’t need these and that you bring them home.”
BONUS – WHAT ABOUT PROBIOTICS?
The jury is still out whether probiotics really help prevent or treat traveler’s diarrhea. The research is mixed, so we’re not sure if they are worth the cost. However, taking a probiotic is usually safe and doesn’t often cause problems. If someone wants to try a probiotic or has a sensitive stomach, I suggest this one for adults and this one for kids. I like them because they have some data on being beneficial for gut health and traveler’s diarrhea. Plus, they do not need to be refrigerated so it is travel friendly.
Would you like to talk to a healthcare provider that specializes in travel medicine? Or would you like to get a prescription or vaccines to help avoid/manage traveler’s diarrhea? Book an appointment with us now!
At Odyssey, we believe in making it as convenient as possible for you to get the care you need for travel. You already have enough on your plate to prepare for your trip. This part should be easy! We have been doing this for over 8 years. We know what you need and will answer your questions. We also are 5-Star rated on Google and provide excellent customer service to all international travelers in Washington State.
Are you ready check this part of your trip off your list? Then book an appointment with us now!
Marisa GronholzAugust 6, 2023We needed some last minute meds for international travel and this was so easy and the whole process was so thorough and professional and a great experience all around. I highly recommend!
haji mirkabJuly 14, 2023Lisa was a very excellent to communicate with her and I will see her back again.
Robert BruggnerJuly 1, 2023I had a wonderful experience with Odyssey Travel Health. Lisa provided thoughtful health recommendations for my upcoming trip and was convenient to chat with via a Telehealth visit. Much appreciated and highly recommended!
Ruchira ChoudhariJune 15, 2023My husband and I received a limited travel consultation, and we were both very pleased with the service. Lisa was extremely helpful in assisting us with finding a suitable pharmacy for the yellow fever vaccine, prescribing antimalarials and altitude sickness medicines. We appreciated her dedication to ensuring that we were well-informed about the necessary medications for our trip. Additionally, she was prompt in responding to our messages, which we found very reassuring.
Kaeli CreightonMay 26, 2023Lisa at Odyssey Health was so easy to work with. She was able to get my fiancé and I in the same day I called to ensure we were prepared for our upcoming trip. She was personable and thorough.
M MMarch 28, 2023Odyssey Travel Health was really easy to use and had excellent customer service. The online forms were very easy to fill out and Lisa was very knowledgeable. Even though I'm not local, she was able to send my prescriptions to a pharmacy near me. Since they're a small business, their customer service is excellent. I highly recommend Odyssey Travel Health!
MEDICAL DISCLAIMER
Although I am a healthcare provider, I am not YOUR healthcare provider. All content on this website is for informational and educational purposes only, does not constitute medical advice and does not establish any kind of patient-client relationship by your use of this website. Always seek personalized advice from a qualified healthcare provider before making any health or medical decisions.