Travelers are being advised to take steps to prevent illness while away from home, according to Dr. Stacey Rose, an infectious disease expert at Baylor College of Medicine. She recommends that individuals consult their healthcare provider before traveling to address specific health needs and ensure all regular medications are packed, including extra doses in case of unexpected delays.
Rose also suggests checking the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website for information on any required vaccines for travel destinations. Protective measures such as sunscreen and insect repellent should not be overlooked, especially since mosquitoes can transmit infectious diseases.
Travelers’ diarrhea is a common issue, with the CDC estimating that 30 to 70% of travelers experience it during a two-week trip. Most cases result from ingesting bacteria, though viruses or parasites can also be responsible. Symptoms may appear days after exposure.
“It may be tricky to determine the cause because you might be thinking of what you ate or were exposed to yesterday, and actually it may be something you were exposed to several days prior,” said Rose, associate professor of medicine – infectious diseases at Baylor. Bacterial-caused diarrhea tends to last longer than viral forms, which are more likely linked with vomiting.
Food preparation issues can lead to toxin-related illnesses that produce symptoms within hours but typically resolve quickly. Changes in diet while traveling can also upset digestion.
“When you travel, you may be eating foods that are outside of your normal routine, and your body may have trouble adjusting,” Rose said.
Good hand hygiene remains important for preventing travelers’ diarrhea. “Wash your hands before you eat every time,” Rose said. “Wash your hands when you get back to your hotel after being out for the day. Sometimes the contamination doesn’t come from your food, but from whatever you touched right before you put the food in your mouth.”
Caution is recommended regarding food choices; raw fruits and vegetables pose higher risks unless they can be peeled personally. Bottled water is advised if tap water safety is uncertain. Some travelers avoid street vendors as a precaution against contaminated food.
“When you’re traveling you may want to engage in local cultural practices like eating local foods. That’s the fun of traveling,” Rose said. “Just know that it is a balance and be sure to use caution when you’re choosing what to eat.”
Over-the-counter medications like Pepto Bismol (bismuth subsalicylate) can reduce travelers’ diarrhea risk by half but may cause black stool or constipation. Imodium (loperamide) helps manage symptoms but should not be used if there is bloody diarrhea or fever; medical attention is recommended in those cases.
Rose generally does not advise preventive antibiotics due to concerns about disrupting normal bowel flora and promoting resistant bacteria.
“If you do come down with traveler’s diarrhea, consult with your healthcare provider for guidance on both testing and how to treat your symptoms; antibiotics are not always necessary for treatment,” Rose said.
Rehydration is crucial if diarrhea occurs; persistent symptoms or inability to stay hydrated warrant seeing a doctor.
Viral respiratory illnesses such as influenza, COVID-19, RSV and measles are additional concerns during travel periods. Travelers should keep up-to-date on vaccinations and practice regular hand washing. Immunocompromised people might need further precautions like N95 masks or prescribed medications for use if symptoms develop during a trip.
Avoiding crowded indoor spaces reduces risk of infection spread despite studies showing airplanes have relatively low viral transmission rates due to advanced air filtration systems (https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/air-travel.html). Attention should still be paid in less ventilated environments. Individuals who are ill should refrain from traveling until recovery.
“Public health is a two-way street,” Rose said. “Traveling with a known infectious disease is really not recommended.”
Those visiting tropical climates must consider mosquito-borne diseases such as malaria and dengue fever—both requiring specific prevention strategies depending on location (https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/page/yellowbook-home). Prophylactic medication regimens vary by region; some require continued dosing after returning home.
“Malaria is preventable with a combination of preventing exposure to mosquitos and prophylactic medication,” Rose said. “Not all malaria prevention is the same. Talk to your doctor about the most effective agents for the area where you’re traveling.” Dengue presents additional risks as its range expands globally due in part to climate change.
Rose encourages reviewing regional health advisories ahead of travel plans: advanced preparation along with practical precautions increases chances for safe trips.
