Preventing travellers' diarrhoea

Health advice abroad

British residents make more than 60 million trips abroad each year, with an increasing numbers heading for the tropics. Travel health experts estimate that between 8% and 50% of travellers abroad suffer from diarrhoea, with an increased risk to exotic or developing countries . This makes diarrhoea the most common health condition facing British holidaymakers.

Preventing travellers’ diarrhoea

Tips on avoiding contaminated water

• Don’t drink – or brush your teeth with – tap water. Instead, drink or use sealed, bottled water or boiled/purified water. Also, avoid ice cubes made from tap water.
• You can also drink other bottled or canned beverages.
• When swimming, keep your head out of the water and try not to swallow it, as the water may be contaminated.

Tips on avoiding contaminated food

• Make sure food is properly cooked and as hot as it should be.
• Always try to make sure food left around is covered up or in the fridge.
• Wash your hands thoroughly before eating.
• Try to avoid all of the following:
  • foods that may have been washed in tap water, such as fruit (peel to be safe), salads and uncooked vegetables
  • ice creams from unreliable sources
  • snacks from roadside vendors
  • cold meats
  • shellfish or raw seafood
  • unpasteurised milk (boil if unsure)
  • reheated food

Immunisations

Immunisation requirements differ from country to country. Make sure you check with your doctor or local travel clinic, or visit NHS Choices to find out if you need any vaccinations for your chosen destination.
Do your research well in advance, as some vaccinations need to be done up to 10 weeks before travel. Also, be aware that no vaccination is 100% effective, so always follow basic food, water and safety precautions while you are abroad. It’s also important to consult a travel health professional if you are, or are likely to become pregnant.

Travel insurance

Wherever you go, travel insurance is essential. As well as covering you against lost luggage and delayed flights, it will ensure you get emergency medical attention, if you need it, while you are abroad.