Traveler’s diarrhea — how to avoid tourista

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Risk zones

Where is the risk of catching tourista?

The risk is higher in tropical, subtropical and developing regions — but no destination is entirely safe.

Carte mondiale des zones à risque de diarrhée du voyageur

Low risk

Moderate risk

High risk

Very high risk

Prevention

Tips to avoid diarrhea while traveling.

Be careful with everything you consume: food or drink.

Beware of tap water, ice cubes, and all frozen smoothies

Avoid street food

Make sure food is cooked thoroughly

Avoid seafood

Be careful with fresh fruits and vegetables (salads), opt for foods that can be peeled (e.g. bananas)

Avoid dairy-based foods

Avoid eggs

Symptoms

What are the symptoms of traveler’s diarrhea?

Tourista usually appears within the first 3 to 5 days of the stay. It most often presents as watery diarrhea without fever or blood.

Diarrhea
Abdominal cramps
Nausea and vomiting 1 in 10 cases
Fever 1 in 10 cases
General discomfort
Signs of dehydration

Causes

What causes traveler’s diarrhea?

More often of bacterial origin than parasitic or resulting from a virus, its transmission is by the oral-fecal route. A number of bacteria are responsible for contamination, the best known and most frequent is undoubtedly enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli also known by its abbreviated form of E. coli.

The mechanism of action of the E. coli bacteria is the production of an enterotoxin (a toxic substance that targets the intestines) which causes a flow of water and electrolytes into the intestinal lumen, resulting in softening of the stool and diarrhea.

Other bacteria that cause this condition include Salmonella, Shigella, and Campylobacter. The disease can also sometimes be caused, although less often, by parasites such as Giardia, Cryptosporidium, Cyclospora, or by viruses such as rotavirus or norovirus.

“Cook food, boil it, peel it or not eat it.”

World Health Organization

Prevention methods

Probiotics or oral vaccines?

Two preventive approaches exist. Here’s how they compare, point by point.

Probiotics

Oral vaccines

How often to take?

Take one week before departure, during the stay, and one week after returning

Take 2 doses 1 week apart no later than 2 weeks before departure

Requires a prescription?

No, but must be recommended with the Quebec immunization protocol with consultation of a health professional. No for residents of other provinces

Who are these prevention methods aimed at?

Adolescents (12 years and older) and Adults. Children's formulas are recommended for ages 1 to 3 and ages 3 and up.

Adults and children aged 2 years and over

Kept in the refrigerator?

No, does not require refrigeration

Yes, requires refrigeration

Possible side effects

Possibility of bloating and gas at the beginning of consumption

Possibility of abdominal pain, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, fever

Hygiene first

Prevention is better than cure.

The infection can be transmitted from person to person. Four habits to keep throughout your stay.

Wash your hands with soap

Brushing your teeth with bottled water

Taking care of your immune system

Make sure you get adequate sleep

Prevention in a capsule

Probaclac Travelers.

Targeted protection against traveler's diarrhea — start one week before departure, continue during your stay and one week after your return.

9 probiotic strains + vitamin C
No refrigeration required
No prescription needed
30- and 60-capsule formats · 2 per day

Discover Travelers → See the studies