Tourista, also known as traveller’s diarrhoea, is a common ailment that can quickly ruin your holiday if not managed properly. Imagine yourself in the middle of an exotic adventure, ready to explore new horizons, but suddenly confined to bed with a stomachache and incessant trips to the toilet. It’s every traveller’s nightmare!
However, with a little prevention and some basic knowledge, you can considerably reduce the risks and make the most of your stay. In this article, we’ll explore the causes of tourista, best practices for preventing it and effective strategies for treating it should it decide to spoil your holiday. Get ready to travel with peace of mind!
What is tourista?
Tourista is an intestinal infection often contracted when travelling, particularly in countries with different food hygiene standards. It is caused by bacteria (such as Escherichia coli), viruses (such as norovirus) or parasites present in contaminated food or water.
Symptoms of tourista include loose stools, abdominal cramps, nausea and sometimes fever.
What can you do to prevent tourista?
If you’re travelling and one of the symptoms of tourista appears, here’s how to manage the situation:
Think about your hydration:
Severe dehydration can lead to electrolyte imbalances that require urgent medical attention. Drink plenty of water to compensate for fluid loss. If you don’t like water, we’ve prepared a few tips, recipes and tricks to keep you hydrated in summer anyway!
Get some rest:
There’s no doubt about it, you wanted to make the most of this trip. However, if you suffer from tourista, it’s important to rest to allow your body to recover and fight off the infection.
Book a remote medical consultation:
If your symptoms persist for more than two days, or if you have a high fever, book a video consultation with a doctor using solutions such as OneDoc (just click on the ‘remote’ tab). He or she will be able to prescribe antibiotics or advise you on other specific treatments.
By following this advice, you’ll be able to enjoy your holiday without tourista getting in the way. Don’t forget that prevention and a rapid response are essential for managing this traveller’s diarrhoea!
