Avoiding and Treating Traveler's Diarrhea

Check the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) website at www.CDC.gov/travel before you depart on your trip and check your destination for health problems in that area.

In general, if the food supply is risky, eat carefully.

• Eat only food cooked thoroughly and served hot.
• Avoid re-heated foods.
• Drink only boiled or bottled water, or canned beverages.
• Drink beverages without ice.

As a rule, boil it, peel it yourself or forget it.

Use antibacterial towelettes to clean hands and tops of bottled and canned foods or beverages.

Preventative Pepto Bismol- Take 2 tablets every morning beginning 2-3 days before departure and then before each meal once you are at your destination.

Suggestions for Treating Traveler's Diarrhea

Imodium- Take 2 tablets after first loose stool, then two tablets after second loose stool. On the third, begin antibiotics.

Pepto Bismol- Take 2 tablets every 6 hours as needed. These can be taken with Imodium but must be separated by 2 hours.

Antibiotic- Consider taking an antibiotic along on your trip for use if above fails.

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