Who is at risk of Travellers’ Diarrhoea?
Those travelling to hot or humid climates are most at risk. Travellers’ diarrhoea is the most common travel illness; it is said to affect between 30% and 70% of travellers, so make sure you take diarrhoea medicine with you just in case.
It can be passed on to others by tiny vomit or stool particles left on surfaces, transferring from one gastrointestinal tract to another. It can also be passed on if someone touches the germs with their hands and then touches their mouth.
How can you avoid Travellers’ Diarrhoea?
Wash your hands or use hand sanitiser frequently:
- After using the toilet
- Before and after eating
- After touching animals
- After visiting a food market
- After touching raw meat
- After changing nappies
Travellers’ Diarrhoea Treatment
Most cases of travellers’ diarrhoea can be managed at home with rest and oral rehydration. In some severe cases of travellers’ diarrhoea, you may need antibiotics. However, seek advice before travelling and ensure you stock up on diarrhoea medication just in case it strikes!
We recommend:
- oral rehydration sachets for you mix with water
- diarrhoea medicine to reduce the symptoms of diarrhoea for a few hours– not suitable for children under 12
Speak to a doctor or pharmacist if:
- you or your child have signs of dehydration – such as dark pee or peeing less than usual
Diarrhoea treatment is available at local Day Lewis Pharmacies across the UK. Click here to find out more.
