This can affect people travelling to high risk destinations in the world. Traveller's Diarrhoea (TD) is defined as three or more unformed stools in a 24-hour period, often accompanied by at least one of the following:
✅Fever
✅nausea
✅vomiting
✅cramps or blood in the stools.
Symptom onset maybe during or within 10 days of return from foreign travel. TD can be caused by bacteria or viruses, although it’s commonly caused by bacteria.
Viral diarrhoea normally lasts up to 1 week and can be prevented by washing your hands regularly with soap and water (especially after going to the bathroom, sneezing or coughing, before eating, after any contact with animals, or any contact with other people who have fallen ill with diarrhoea themselves). If it is not possible to wash your hands with soap and water, you should use hand sanitiser.
Bacterial diarrhoea, sometimes also known as traveller’s diarrhoea, normally comes from ingesting food or drink that has been contaminated. It can be more serious than viral diarrhoea, sometimes causing symptoms such as cramps, very frequent bowel movements, and can often be associated with fever and vomiting.
This can be prevented by using bottled or sterilised water. You can also prevent it by being careful about what you eat. Avoid salads (they might have been washed in contaminated water). Be careful when eating dairy products (they could be unpasteurised). Only eat food that is very hot and hasn’t been left out at room temperature. Be particular when eating food from street vendors and markets, with poor food turnover.
The risk of developing traveller’s diarrhoea can be minimised by taking additional precautions when cooking. Always rinse fruit and vegetables with bottled water before cooking or eating them. Don’t eat raw eggs. Keep cooked and uncooked food separate. Clean the worktops and utensils thoroughly, and don’t prepare food if you already have diarrhoea.
Traveller’s diarrhoea is generally a self-limiting condition, with usual resolution within 3-5 days. Fluid replacement with oral rehydration solution is recommended particularly for older patients who are at risk of dehydration related complications.
If you’re travelling to a high-risk destination and feel that you will be exposed to food and water from unhygienic sources we maybe able to prescribe treatment in certain circumstances. Fill in the e-consultation form and select the preferred method of consultation.