Avoiding health problems when travelling

Eating and drinking Back to top

Wherever you are in the world, be careful about what you eat and drink. If you have a stoma you can get specific advice from your stoma care nurse specialist, the Colostomy Association| or the IA The Ileostomy and Internal Pouch Support Group|.

Many infectious diseases are spread by contaminated food and water. This includes water in swimming pools, lakes, rivers and the sea, so try not to swallow water when you’re swimming.

Tips for avoiding stomach upsets

• If you’re not sure that drinking water is clean, you should sterilise it. You can do this by boiling it for one minute, or by using a filtering system or sterilisation tablets. At high altitudes, you may need to boil water for longer than usual in order to sterilise it properly.
• Use bottled water if you can’t ensure that the water is clean.
• Make sure that seals on bottles of water are not broken before opening.
• Avoid ice unless you’re sure it is made from safe water.
• Only eat freshly cooked food that has been cooked thoroughly and is still hot.
• Avoid uncooked food, unless you can peel or shell it yourself.
• Avoid food that may have been exposed to flies, such as food from street traders.
• Avoid ice cream from unreliable sources, such as kiosks.
• Avoid or boil unpasteurised milk.
• Be careful when eating shellfish - they may contain harmful bacteria. Make sure shellfish is cooked thoroughly, or avoid eating it.

Insects Back to top

In some countries, diseases can be spread by insects and ticks. Use insect repellents (preferably one containing DEET - diethyltoluamide), and cover your arms and legs with appropriate clothing, especially if you are walking in grassy or wooded areas.

Animals Back to top

Animal bites can lead to infection, and may even cause death. It’s important to be careful even with apparently tame animals. Rabies is present in many countries, including most of Europe and North America. If you are bitten, it’s essential to see a doctor immediately for treatment.

 

• If you’re not sure that drinking water is clean, you should sterilise it. You can do this by boiling it for one minute, or by using a filtering system or sterilisation tablets. At high altitudes, you may need to boil water for longer than usual in order to sterilise it properly.
• Use bottled water if you can’t ensure that the water is clean.
• Make sure that seals on bottles of water are not broken before opening.
• Avoid ice unless you’re sure it is made from safe water.
• Only eat freshly cooked food that has been cooked thoroughly and is still hot.
• Avoid uncooked food, unless you can peel or shell it yourself.
• Avoid food that may have been exposed to flies, such as food from street traders.
• Avoid ice cream from unreliable sources, such as kiosks.
• Avoid or boil unpasteurised milk.
• Be careful when eating shellfish - they may contain harmful bacteria. Make sure shellfish is cooked thoroughly, or avoid eating it.

Insects

In some countries, diseases can be spread by insects and ticks. Always use insect repellent (preferably containing DEET - diethyltoluamide), and cover your arms and legs with appropriate clothing (especially if you're walking in grassy or wooded areas). 

Animals

Animal bites can lead to dangerous infections. It’s important to be careful, even with apparently tame animals. The animals in many regions, including most of Europe and North America, can carry rabies. If you are bitten, clean the wound carefully with soap and water, apply an antiseptic if you can and see a doctor immediately.