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Vacationing in Paradise? Watch Out for Unwanted Travel Companions.

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The countdown is on! We’re just three weeks away from March Break, and for Canadians, that means a large percentage of us will be travelling down south to sunny destinations. If you’re one of the lucky ones who is getting away, have a fruity drink for me, mmmkay?
fruityNow, you know I want you to have the BEST vacation ever, which means that *of course* you should be prepared with the information you need for #HealthyTravels. If you missed our Twitter Party last week, fear not! I’m here to share some of the most important takeaways with you today. 

FACT: It is estimated that 30% to 70% of travellers who go to a tropical or subtropical region will have at least one episode of diarrhea, which may last three to five days.

I’m not trying to scare you (okay, maybe just a little). But sometimes, we need that little extra motivation to prepare ourselves for the worst case scenario. And trust me, if you’re in that 30-70%, it’s definitely *the worst*.

So, what can you do to protect yourself and your family? Here’s a handy little infographic with some more information:
InfographicENV02First of all, that little germadude may look cute, but he represents Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC) – an important cause of diarrhea in travellers to underdeveloped countries. It’s found in foods that are not adequately cooked, as well as drinking water. And, if you eat food or drink water or ice that is contaminated with ETEC, you are at risk.

The bad news? Travellers’ diarrhea can spread very easily from person to person. If you are travelling with family, friends or work colleagues and one person contracts travellers’ diarrhea, others in your group may get it as well.

The good news? There are ways to protect yourself against Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli. Here’s what you need to do:

1. A few weeks before leaving for vacation, ask your doctor or a healthcare professional at a travel clinic about the health risks at your chosen destination. Disclose where you’re headed, how long you’ll be there, and what activities or excursions you’re planning on.

2. Consider the oral vaccine Dukoral, a simple way to protect yourself against ETEC. It is available without a prescription for all family members aged 2 and older; however, you should always talk to your doctor or pharmacist first to see if a vaccine or medication is right for you.

3. While on vacation, make sure the cooked food you eat is served hot, and perishable foods such as cured meats and dairy are kept cold. If if doubt, don’t eat it!

4. Only drink water that is bottled, has been boiled, or is chemically treated with iodine, chlorine, or another disinfectant. Only accept drinks with ice if you are staying at a reputable resort that uses purified water.

5. Don’t share food, drinks with utensils with anyone – not even friends or family members in your travel party. ETEC is very easily spread from person to person, so practice good hygiene and wash your hands often, especially after visiting the bathroom and before eating food. And, always travel with a hand sanitizer for those times you don’t have access to soap and water.

FACT: 98% of travellers will make a dietary or beverage mistake within the FIRST THREE DAYS of their vacation, increasing their risk of contracting enterotoxigenic E. coli (ETEC). Be smart! You should be spending your vacation on the beach, not in bed.

To all those travelling this March Break, wishing you #HealthyTravels!

Reader Interactions

Comments

  2. Chandra O'Connor

    That’s what I’m afraid of, when I finally take a real trip, I’m afraid of getting the runs

  3. Susan T.

    I’ve never taken Dukoral but I totally think it’s a great idea! Nothing ruins a vacation like being in the bathroom the whole time!

  4. Judy Cowan

    All great tips, nothing worse than being stuck in the bathroom and feeling like crap on your holiday.

  6. gayle bellemare

    Great information! I think we are all so relaxed on holidays that we let our guard down so not surprised that most travellers make a dietary mistake within first 3 days.

  8. nicolthepickle

    Thanks for the tips. Not planning on going anywhere soon, but I don’t want any cute germadudes. Cute or not!

  11. loucheryl

    Looking at these stats, it makes me feel a little bit better about not going on a holiday in over 10 years. Just a little.

  12. Chandra O'Connor

    How do you help kids? Especially when they are swimming they always get water in their mouth.

  14. Debbie S.

    Great advice. I know several people who have come home very sick, bet they wish they knew this prior to their trip. Thanks for the info!

  15. Linda Klages

    good ideas even for here – cold food should be cold (warm potato salad at a family picnic is a no no)

  16. kathy downey

    Thanks for the great advice,my daughter and her hubby spent a very sick week last year…i will share these with her.

  18. Jennifer Irvine

    We have been taking Dukoral ever since we started going on tropical vacations. When we have travelled with friends they got sick. We didn’t! Well worth the cost and many medical insurance plans will subsidize it!

  24. Treen Goodwin

    great info , it would certainly be no fun to end up sick on vacation ! thanks for the tips , great info

  26. Suzanne G

    This is an informative post and a couple of years ago in the DR my husband had got quite sick. We had both ate and pretty much did everything the same but he ended up sick. I will say the Dr at resort was wonderful.

  31. sarah alexis

    Thanks for the tips – I’m going to Fiji in June and I really don’t want it ruined with preventable sickness!

  32. kathy downey

    These are all great tips, there is nothing worse than getting the runs and feeling like crap on your holiday.

  35. Debbie White Beattie

    I couldn’t imagine getting sick while on vacation and then worrying about getting better. Talk about wasted money and a terrible vacation