You will find many articles on security and health for solo travellers in this section because it is an important topic, and these facts, need to be noted to ensure the perfect solo travel adventures.
For solo travellers, feeling sick can be particularly daunting when you’re far from home.
A common ailment often referred to as "Montezuma's Revenge" or "Tut's Tummy" can quickly derail an exciting adventure. While this condition, officially known as traveller’s diarrhoea (TD), is usually short-lived, it’s best to be prepared.
TD affects between 20 to 50 per cent of international travellers each year. Onset can happen at any time, even after you’ve returned home, but it's most common in the first week of a trip.
High-risk destinations include developing countries in Latin America, Africa, the Middle East, and Asia. Fortunately, with a little planning, you can significantly reduce your risk and be ready to handle any issues that arise.
Your Best Defence: Prevention…Naturally!
The most common cause of TD is bacteria like E. coli, which are spread through contaminated food and water. The best way to protect yourself is to be proactive and make smart choices about what you consume.
- Be Picky About Your Food: Stick to the golden rule of traveller’s health: "Boil it, cook it, peel it, or forget it."
- Eat hot, well-cooked meals. Steer clear of food that has been sitting out, such as on a buffet.
- Choose fruits you can peel yourself (like bananas or oranges) and avoid salads and raw vegetables, which may have been washed in unsafe water.
- Be cautious with street food. While it's often delicious, choose vendors who are busy and prepare the food right in front of you.
- Stay Hydrated, Safely:
- Only drink bottled, canned, or purified water. Make sure the seal on bottled water is intact.
- Avoid ice cubes, fountain sodas, and drinks made with tap water.
- Stick to hot beverages like tea or coffee.
- Use bottled water to brush your teeth.
When Symptoms Strike. Bad Stomach Cramps and the trots!
Even with the best precautions, TD can sometimes happen. If you find yourself stricken, your top priority is to stay hydrated to replace lost fluids and electrolytes.
- Drink, Drink, Drink: Sip small amounts of clean, clear liquids frequently. Pack oral rehydration salts (ORS) in your first-aid kit, as these are formulated to restore your body's balance more effectively than water alone.
- Take It Easy: Don't try to power through your day. Rest in your accommodation, and allow your body time to recover. Being a solo traveller means you need to be extra kind to yourself.
For solo travellers, having a treatment plan can provide a great deal of peace of mind. A visit to a travel clinic or your physician before your trip is an excellent way to prepare.
One treatment option for TD is a non-systemic antibiotic. One such medication is rifaximin (sold under the brand name Xifaxan), which is FDA-approved for treating TD caused by non-invasive E. coli in patients over 12 years old.
Important Considerations for Rifaximin:
- You must obtain a prescription for it from your doctor before your trip.
- It should not be used for diarrhoea accompanied by a fever or blood in the stool.
- If your symptoms worsen or persist for more than 24-48 hours while on the medication, you should stop taking it and seek alternative medical care.
This foresight can prevent you from missing out on precious days of your trip and help you avoid more serious conditions down the road.