It's useful to talk with your health care provider about traveler's diarrhea and other travel health-related concerns, including required immunizations, well in advance of your trip. For example, many travel medicine programs or clinics will give a prescription for antibiotics to take with you on your trip in case it needs to be taken at the onset of serious traveler's diarrhea. This has been shown to lessen the severity of diarrhea in 80 percent of people who get it. After meeting with your health care provider, you'll be informed and prepared in case it's not possible for you to see a provider or visit a health care facility, as the quality of medical care varies from country to country. Of course, if you're feeling extremely unwell, or if you do not feel better after several days, put your concerns aside and try to find the best hospital possible in your destination for medical attention as soon as possible.
Dehydration is the main concern when traveler's diarrhea climbs on board, but it can be prevented.
If you happen to get traveler's diarrhea, drink plenty of fluids, even if you're not thirsty, to avoid the dehydrating effects of diarrhea. Avoid any alcoholic beverages. Boiled potatoes, salted soda crackers, cooked carrots, and skinless and de-fatted baked chicken are other good possible options. For more specific information about ORS, talk with your health care provider. If you're at Columbia, consider making an appointment to meet with a health care provider at the Health Service's travel health clinic, CU on the Road , by calling x4-2284.