Podcast
Questions and Answers
What is the primary cause of traveler's diarrhea (TD)?
What is the primary cause of traveler's diarrhea (TD)?
Consuming food or water contaminated with pathogens.
What percentage of TD cases are caused by protozoa such as Giardia?
What percentage of TD cases are caused by protozoa such as Giardia?
About 10%
In which countries are travelers least likely to develop TD?
In which countries are travelers least likely to develop TD?
The United States, Canada, Australia, Japan, and countries in Northern and Western Europe.
What is the typical duration of TD without treatment?
What is the typical duration of TD without treatment?
What is the term used to describe the use of untreated human feces as fertilizer?
What is the term used to describe the use of untreated human feces as fertilizer?
Why are high-risk areas more prone to TD?
Why are high-risk areas more prone to TD?
What percentage of travelers to international places are likely to develop TD?
What percentage of travelers to international places are likely to develop TD?
What is the term used to describe TD in Egyptian and Aztec cultures?
What is the term used to describe TD in Egyptian and Aztec cultures?
What geographic regions are most likely to pose a high risk of traveler's diarrhea (TD)?
What geographic regions are most likely to pose a high risk of traveler's diarrhea (TD)?
What is the recommended concentration of alcohol in hand sanitizer to reduce the risk of TD?
What is the recommended concentration of alcohol in hand sanitizer to reduce the risk of TD?
What precaution should be taken when consuming fruit in high-risk areas for TD?
What precaution should be taken when consuming fruit in high-risk areas for TD?
How long should water be boiled to kill most pathogens that may cause TD?
How long should water be boiled to kill most pathogens that may cause TD?
What alternative method can be used to sanitize water when boiling is not practical?
What alternative method can be used to sanitize water when boiling is not practical?
What are the common side effects of BSS?
What are the common side effects of BSS?
What type of filter can remove viruses from drinking water?
What type of filter can remove viruses from drinking water?
Why are antibiotics prescribed for travelers before they leave the United States?
Why are antibiotics prescribed for travelers before they leave the United States?
What should be done after handling used filters to reduce the risk of TD?
What should be done after handling used filters to reduce the risk of TD?
How do antimotility agents help in treating TD?
How do antimotility agents help in treating TD?
What medication can be taken to reduce the risk of TD?
What medication can be taken to reduce the risk of TD?
What is the most reliable way to sanitize water?
What is the most reliable way to sanitize water?
What should be done before eating meat or high-risk foods in areas prone to TD?
What should be done before eating meat or high-risk foods in areas prone to TD?
How can travelers prevent dehydration when suffering from TD?
How can travelers prevent dehydration when suffering from TD?
Why should swimming in chlorinated pools be done with caution?
Why should swimming in chlorinated pools be done with caution?
Why is it important to seek medical treatment for severe fluid loss due to TD?
Why is it important to seek medical treatment for severe fluid loss due to TD?
Study Notes
Traveler's Diarrhea (TD)
- TD results from consuming food or water contaminated with pathogens, causing abrupt onset of abdominal cramps and loose or watery bowel movements.
- Symptoms include nausea, vomiting, intestinal bloating, and fever, typically lasting 3-7 days without treatment.
- Bacterial pathogens are responsible for 80-90% of TD cases, while protozoa like Giardia account for about 10%.
High-Risk Areas
- Countries with high-density populations, widespread pollution, and inadequate water treatment systems are high-risk areas for TD.
- Examples of high-risk areas include Mexico, Central America, most of Asia, the Middle East, Africa, and South America.
Reducing the Risk of TD
- Follow food and beverage selection instructions from the CDC.
- Avoid contact with contaminated waterways.
- Sanitize drinking water using boiling, chemical disinfection, or filtering.
- Use medications that may prevent TD, such as bismuth subsalicylate (BSS).
Safe Foods and Beverages
- Bottled and sealed beverages, including beer and wine, are generally safe.
- Tea and coffee made with boiled water are safe.
- Avoid raw foods washed in water, such as fresh fruits and vegetables.
- Avoid eating fresh fruit without peeling it first.
- Avoid drinking fresh fluid milk or milk products that have not been pasteurized.
Sanitizing Water
- Boiling is the most reliable method to kill pathogens, requiring 1 minute of boiling time.
- Chemical disinfection with chlorine or iodine is an alternative method.
- Filtering water using microstrainer filters or reverse osmosis filters can remove bacteria and viruses.
Preventive Medications
- Bismuth subsalicylate (BSS) can reduce the risk of TD, but has side effects and is not recommended for children under 12 or people with certain chronic conditions.
Treating TD
- Antibiotics are the primary method of treating TD, often prescribed by physicians for travelers.
- Antimotility agents, such as loperamide, can provide relief from diarrhea when used in combination with antibiotics.
- Dehydration can be a serious complication of TD, requiring replacement of fluids and electrolytes with sealed beverages.
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Description
Learn how to avoid traveler's diarrhea, a common issue when traveling abroad. Identify high-risk countries and take precautions to protect your digestive system.
