Avoiding the Risk of Traveller’s Diarrhea

As Canadians eagerly plan their summer getaways, they often pack their bags with sunscreen, beachwear, and novels. However, one unwelcome companion that can also accompany them is traveller’s diarrhea. This common yet often overlooked illness can put a damper on any vacation, leaving travellers feeling ill and disrupting their time away. Let’s delve into the intricacies of traveller’s diarrhea, how it affects Canadians, and what can be done to prevent it.

What is Traveller’s Diarrhea?

Traveller’s diarrhea is an intestinal infection characterized by the sudden onset of abnormally loose or liquid stools, often accompanied by abdominal cramps, nausea, and bloating. Dehydration may occur if the diarrhea is severe. While not life-threatening for most, it can make a vacation very uncomfortable and may occasionally require medical attention.

The Canadian Context

While anyone can contract traveller’s diarrhea, it is of particular concern to Canadians due to their travel habits. As of the last Statistics Canada report, over 46.5 million Canadians took trips within the country and abroad annually, with the United States, Mexico, the United Kingdom, France, and Cuba being the top destinations. Many of these popular destinations are in regions where sanitation practices might not always be up to Canadian standards, which significantly increases the risk of contracting traveller’s diarrhea.

How Do Travellers Contract Diarrhea?

Traveller’s diarrhea is primarily contracted by consuming food or water contaminated with bacteria, viruses, or parasites. The most common culprit is the bacterium Escherichia coli (E. coli), particularly a strain known as Enterotoxigenic E. coli (ETEC). Other pathogens such as Giardia lamblia, Campylobacter, Shigella, and Salmonella may also cause the illness. When travelling, the risk of contracting these pathogens increases. This is especially true in developing countries, where food and water may not be adequately treated or stored. Consuming street food, drinking tap water, or even eating fruits and vegetables washed in contaminated water can expose a traveller to these pathogens.

Preventive Measures

As the old saying goes, “Prevention is better than cure.” This certainly applies to traveller’s diarrhea. Here are some ways travellers can mitigate the risk:

• Be Cautious of What You Eat and Drink: The simplest preventive measure is to follow the traveller’s rule of thumb: “Boil it, cook it, peel it, or forget it.” This means avoiding any food or drink that hasn’t been thoroughly cooked or that you can’t peel yourself. Also, drinking only from sealed bottled water or treated water is essential.
• Practice Good Hygiene: Washing hands thoroughly with soap, especially before meals, can help prevent the ingestion of harmful microbes.
• Vaccines and Medications: Before travelling, consult a healthcare provider about any recommended vaccines or preventative medications. Some travellers may benefit from taking prophylactic antibiotics or oral vaccines, such as Dukoral, which provides some protection against ETEC.
• Stay Hydrated and Rest: If you do fall ill, stay well-hydrated and get plenty of rest to help your body recover.

While traveller’s diarrhea can be a significant nuisance during a trip, it can largely be avoided through careful planning and practices. By following the recommended preventive measures and seeking advice from healthcare providers, Canadians can continue to enjoy their global adventures without the unwanted accompaniment of this common travel illness.