Peer Reviewed
Gastroenterology clinic

What to do about travellers’ diarrhoea

Lindsay Mollison
Abstract
Travellers’ diarrhoea is the most common illness of travellers to developing countries and can be caused by a variety of bacteria, viruses, worms and other parasites. This month, Dr Mollison outlines advice aimed at preventing disease in intending travellers and for managing those who develop illness.
Key Points
    Prevention
    • Remember the golden rules of safe eating: boil it, peel it or cook it.
    • When travelling to developing countries, always use bottled or boiled water and drinks or purify drinking water.
    • Prophylactic use of antibiotics, although effective, is generally discouraged because of potential side effects as well as economic and ecological considerations.
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