Staying healthy when traveling overseas

The reality is that many countries have microorganisms and plant, animal and insect life that can be hazardous to your health. In fact, 20-50 percent of travelers from the U.S. overseas develop symptoms of intestinal distress, according to UD's Center for International Studies (CFIS).

When students and faculty travel to foreign countries, especially Mexico, South America, Africa and Asia, CFIS advises them to take precautions to promote health and safety.

Here's some of the advice CFIS, the hotel restaurant and institutional management program and Student Health give UD travelers on how to avoid spending part of that long-awaited trip overseas confined to a hotel room.

Fred DeMicco, ARAMARK Chair in Hotel, Restaurant and Institutional Management, said there are studies that suggest “consuming alcohol and tea (tannis) with food may exert an antimicrobial in the stomach.”

“Ask your hotel for recommendations on quality places to eat that are safe and sanitary and have great local cuisine,” he said. “A good rule of thumb is, if it is not pasteurized or 'sealed for export'--don't use it!”

What to avoid

Along with “Don't drink the water,” don't eat raw vegetables and only eat washed and peeled fruit, avoid unpasteurized dairy products, cold or raw foods and food from street vendors. No ice, unless made with boiled water. Don't brush your teeth in untreated water, and boil tap water for at least 15 minutes then store it in a sterile container. Even a tiny amount of contaminated water can cause a reaction.

Prevention

Take bismuth subsalicylate (e.g., Pepto Bismol or Immodium AD) two tablets four times a day for three weeks maximum, prior to travel. Avoid this medication if you have a history of aspirin allergy, kidney insufficiency or gout or if it is made with aspirin, nonsteroidals, ibuprofen or anticoagulants.

Tongue brushing is recommended to avoid “black tongue.”

Only drink boiled bottled water, carbonated beverages, bottled alcoholic beverages, or tea and coffee if drunk while still piping hot. Very hot or dried foods are safe.

First aid kit

These are some things you should carry with you:

Antibacterial soap, hand wipes or waterless gel;
Antifungal ointment or powder;
Bismuth subsalicylate (e.g., Pepto Bismol or Immodium AD) for intestinal distress;
Insecticide with permethrin for clothing, netting and other fabrics;
Moleskin (for blisters); and
Elastic bandage for strains and sprains.

Treatment

If all else fails, get plenty of rest, drink lots of safe fluids (mineral water, canned juices, carbonated caffeine-free beverages, salty soups and “sports” drinks) and:

Avoid dairy, fruits, vegetables, alcohol, spicy or fatty foods;
Try Bismuth subsalicylate (e.g., Pepto Bismol or Immodium AD) for symptomatic relief; and
Once acute symptoms subside, start a bland diet, e.g., oatmeal, vegetables, bouillon, noodles, rice, eggs and bananas, etc.

DeMicco said when he is traveling, he asks his hotel for its “on call” doctor. In extreme situations, “I phone the U.S. Embassy for recommendations,” he said.

Article by Barbara Garrison

E-mail this article

Subscribe to UDaily