Frequently Asked Questions About Travelers' Diarrhea

What are the symptoms of travelers' diarrhea?

What preventative measures can be taken to avoid travelers' diarrhea?

What can I do if I get travelers' diarrhea?

Who gets travelers' diarrhea?

According to the Center for Disease Control:
"Travelers' diarrhea (TD) is the most common illness affecting travelers. Each year between 20%-50% of international travelers, an estimated 10 million persons, develop diarrhea. The onset of TD usually occurs within the first week of travel but may occur at any time while traveling, and even after returning home. The most important determinant of risk is the traveler's destination. High-risk destinations are the developing countries of Latin America, Africa, the Middle East, and Asia. Persons at particular high-risk include young adults, immunosuppressed persons, persons with inflammatory-bowel disease or diabetes, and persons taking H-2 blockers or antacids. Attack rates are similar for men and women. The primary source of infection is ingestion of fecally contaminated food or water."

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What are the symptoms of travelers' diarrhea?

According to the Center for Disease Control:
"Most TD cases begin abruptly. The illness usually results in increased frequency, volume, and weight of stool. Altered stool consistency also is common. Typically, a traveler experiences four to five loose or watery bowel movements each day. Other commonly associated symptoms are nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal cramping, bloating, fever, urgency, and malaise."

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What causes travelers' diarrhea?

According to the Center for Disease Control:
"Infectious agents are the primary cause of TD. Bacterial enteropathogens cause approximately 80% of TD cases. The most common causative agent isolated in countries surveyed has been enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC). ETEC produce watery diarrhea with associated cramps and low-grade or no fever. Besides ETEC and other bacterial pathogens, a variety of viral and parasitic enteric pathogens also are potential causative agents."

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What preventative measures can be taken to avoid travelers' diarrhea?

Risk of TD can be minimized by following these effective measures:

Avoid foods and beverages offered for sale by street vendors or establishments where unhygienic conditions exist
Avoid eating undercooked meats and seafood
Avoid eating raw fruits and vegetables unless you have peeled them yourself
ALWAYS take a potent probiotic supplement with an acid-proof delivery system such as TruFlora™ or Theralac® to improve your resistance to local strains of E. Coli that cause TD. Taking one a day for a week before your trip is usually recommended (click here to find out why this works)

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What can I do if I get travelers' diarrhea?

It is highly advisible to have a potent probiotic such as TruFlora™ or Theralac® on hand when traveling in case TD strikes. If you do get TD, take what is described as an Intensive Dose. An Intensive Dose is 2 capsules every 2 hours until regularity is restored.

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