The information you provided is a comprehensive guide on Traveller's Diarrhoea (TD), a common issue for travelers, especially those visiting less developed areas. Here's a summary:
What is Traveller's Diarrhoea?
- Defined as the passage of 3 or more loose or watery stools within 24 hours.
- Accompanied by symptoms such as fever, abdominal cramps, nausea, vomiting, and faecal urgency.
Countries at Risk
- Particularly common for travellers from industrialized countries visiting less developed regions, notably in Asia, the Middle East, Africa, and South America.
- About 40% of travellers to these regions experience symptoms, with up to 80% of cases caused by bacteria, mainly E. coli.
Travel Precautions
- Recommended vaccines for common travel destinations: Hepatitis A, Typhoid, Diphtheria, Tetanus, Polio (DTP), and potentially Hepatitis B and Cholera (Dukoral).
- Dukoral also helps reduce the risk of traveller's diarrhoea caused by E. coli.
Signs and Symptoms
- Symptoms generally resolve within 72 hours and include loose stools, fever, cramps, nausea, and vomiting.
- Seek medical attention if symptoms persist for more than 3 days or if more severe symptoms like bloody or mucous-laden stools occur.
How to Avoid
- Practice strict hygiene: wash hands, eat at clean establishments, and avoid potentially contaminated foods.
Treatments
- Stay hydrated with water, diluted fruit juice, or oral rehydration solutions.
- Loperamide (Imodium) can be used in emergencies, but not if blood is present in stools.
- Xifaxanta, an antibiotic treatment, can be used under prescription to treat TD with specific conditions.
Availability
- Select your preferred Gilbride Pharmacy branch to book and appointment or just pop in when it suits you.
This guide aims to help travellers stay healthy by understanding the risks, taking preventive measures, and knowing when and how to seek treatment.