Health Watch is a Public Service of the Office of News and Publications and is intended to provide general information only and should not replace the advice of a medical professional. You should contact your physician if you have questions about any of these topics.
This week on Healthwatch, we've been talking about healthy travel. Previously, we discussed safe handling of snacks. But sometimes you may still get sick from food you've eaten, especially if you're traveling in a developing country.
Dr. Luis Lara, a digestive and liver disease specialist at UT Southwestern Medical Center, says re-hydration is key if you suffer from travelers' diarrhea. Plenty of fluids, anti-diarrhea medication and a special solution widely available from the World Health Organization will help most people. Eat if you feel hungry. The very young, the elderly and those with other medical conditions may need medical treatment. The condition can last up to two weeks after you return home.
To prevent the ailment, be careful about what you eat or drink when traveling in developing countries.
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June 2005
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