Don’t Let Diarrhea Ruin Your Holiday

If you are about to travel with your little one for the first time, it is important to be prepared for any mishaps, especially if you’re heading to a foreign country. Traveller’s Diarrhea is an infection in the intestinal tract. It is usually caused by bacteria called E. coli and very likely to affect your little one.

The illness begins 1 to 3 days after exposure. It can last up to 5 days, or sometimes longer. Symptoms include fever, vomiting, stomach cramps, and watery diarrhea. The main concern from Traveller’s Diarrhea is dehydration. This is the loss of too much water and minerals from the body. When this happens, body fluids must be replaced. Here are some things to consider when trying to administer home care to your little one.

• Do not give over-the-counter diarrhea medicines unless your child’s healthcare provider tells you to.
• If antibiotics were prescribed, make sure your child takes them every day until they are finished. Don’t stop giving them if your child feels better. Antibiotics must be taken as a full course.
• Remember that washing with soap and water is the best way to prevent the spread of infection.
• Wash your hands before and after caring for your sick child.
• Clean the toilet after each use.
• Dispose of soiled diapers in a sealed container.
• Keep your child out of day care until he or she is cleared by the healthcare provider.
• Wash your hands before and after preparing food.
• Wash your hands after using cutting boards, countertops, and knives that have been in contact with raw foods.
• Keep uncooked meats away from cooked and ready-to-eat foods.
• Keep in mind that people with diarrhea or vomiting should not prepare food for others.