Traveller's Diarrhoea (TD), is a common issue for travellers, especially those visiting less developed areas. 

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.