No one leaves home expecting to become ill on a vacation but it does happen. So the savvy traveler does some advance preparation. You need to be sure your medical insurance will cover you in another country. Some policies do not provide coverage outside the USA. However, if you are not covered you can purchase a policy that will be valid for the length of your trip. Sometimes these are offered when you buy your ticket.
Travel in some countries requires immunizations. You need to check on these three months in advance, as some immunizations must be spread out over a period of time. And some vaccines are not readily available so your doctor will need time to procure them. Perhaps a traveler s major annoyance is exposure to contaminated food and water that results in an upset digestive system. South of the border it is called Montezuma s revenge and in Asia it is referred to as Delhi belly. It will happen when you accidentally consume food or water that is contaminated with bacteria, parasites or viruses. Although this can happen in the United States it is more common when traveling in underdeveloped countries. How long it will last and how soon after eating it will strike depends upon the contaminating agent.
When the food or beverage is contaminated with the Staphylococcus bacteria, you can experience an acute attack of abdominal cramps, diarrhea, and vomiting. It occurs from one to six hours after consuming the food or beverage and will disappear after twenty four hours. This is the most common type of gastrointestinal disorder as the bacteria are generally present on the hands of fifty percent of the population. If the contaminating agent is the Clostridium bacterium, the illness will occur within twenty four hours of consuming contaminated meat. The symptoms last for twenty four hours. These organisms are present in raw meat. They will be killed if the meat is reaches a temperature of 100C or 212F during cooking.
Farm animals and poultry often contain the Salmonella bacterium but don t appear ill. The bacteria can survive freezing so what appears as safe meats may contain them. They are destroyed by cooking. However, they can also spread on cooking utensils and people s hands. Although diarrhea is the main symptom, you may also experience abdominal cramps, vomiting and fever. If you have any of these disorders that persist for more than two or three days, you need to see a doctor. You should also consult a doctor when the combination of fever, diarrhea, vomiting, and abdominal pain is present. It is important not to become dehydrated and replace body fluids by drinking plenty of water. There are also preventative measures you can take. Drink only bottled water and sodas. Be sure the seal is tight and the bottle has not been refilled and recapped. Do not use ice or drink from a glass. Avoid all diary products, as some countries do not pasteurize milk. Don t eat fruits unless they can be peeled and you are the one to peel them. Don t eat raw vegetables. Confine your diet to well cooked foods eaten at restaurants that appear clean and sanitary. And finally, brush your teeth with bottled water.
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