Protect Your Child From Traveller’s Diarrhoea

If you are about to travel with your child for the first time, it is important to be prepared for any mishaps, especially if you’re heading to a foreign country. Unfamiliar environments and different climates can pose challenges for both parents and children. In some cases, unexpected illnesses like traveller's diarrhoea can also occur, so being equipped with essential knowledge and supplies can make a difference in ensuring a smooth and enjoyable trip. Before we delve into how to handle such travel-related illnesses, it’s important to learn more about it and how it spreads so you can keep your family protected.

What is Traveller’s Diarrhoea?

Traveller’s diarrhoea, sometimes better known as food poisoning or stomach flu, is an infection in the intestinal tract.¹ It is usually caused by bacteria, typically the E. coli variety, and can be very tough on your child’s immune and digestive system as their young bodies are still developing . However, this common gastrointestinal illness can also be caused by bacteria, viruses or parasites found in contaminated food or water.¹

Symptoms of traveller’s diarrhoea include:

• Frequent loose or watery stools three or more times a day
• Abdominal cramps and pain
• Nausea and vomiting
• Loss of appetite
• Fever
• Fatigue
• Blood or mucus in stools (in severe cases)

Symptoms may appear within 6 to 24 hours after exposure if the cause is bacterial or viral in nature, but it can take anywhere between one to three weeks for signs of the infection to show up if it is a parasitic infection.^1,2,3 It can last up to 5 days, or sometimes longer. While most cases are mild and resolve on their own within 2 to 3 days, it can be particularly unpleasant and dehydrating, especially for young children.¹

The main concern from traveller’s diarrhoea is dehydration which results in the loss of too much water and minerals from the body. When this happens, body fluids must be replaced.

How does Traveller's Diarrhoea spread?

Traveller's diarrhoea is primarily spread through three main routes:⁴

• Contaminated food and water: 

  This is the most common cause of traveller's diarrhoea. Consuming food or water contaminated with harmful bacteria, viruses, or parasites can lead to infection. This can occur through improper food handling, storage, or preparation, as well as drinking untreated water or using contaminated water for personal hygiene.

• Person-to-person contact: 

  The disease can also spread through close contact with an infected individual, particularly if proper hand hygiene is not practised. Accidental ingestion of contaminated faecal matter can occur, leading to infection.

• Poor hygiene: 

  Exposure to environments with inadequate sanitation practices increases the risk of traveller's diarrhoea. This includes using public toilets without proper handwashing facilities and failing to maintain good personal hygiene.

Now that you understand how traveller's diarrhoea spreads, the next step is to learn what you can do to prevent it. By teaching your child good hygiene practices, such as thorough handwashing, and ensuring safe food and water consumption, you can significantly reduce the risk of them contracting this illness. It is highly recommended that you follow these guidelines below to stay safe:^1,3,5,7

• Avoid food from roadside stalls, ice and iced drinks, unpasteurised milk or dairy products and raw or undercooked meat, fish and shellfish. Opt for fruits that you can peel by yourself rather than pre-sliced fruits as they may have been washed in contaminated water.
• Use bottled water or boiled water to mix your child’s milk formula.
• Drink only sterilised water and if you must drink local water, boil it for at least 3 minutes before letting it cool down to be used as drinking water.
• Use bottled water to brush your teeth if possible and avoid swallowing any shower water. 
• Keep your child from swimming or touching bodies of water that may be contaminated. It’s also essential to keep them from putting things or their dirty hands into their mouths.

However, despite these precautions, it's essential to be prepared for the possibility. If your child does develop traveller's diarrhoea, remain calm and monitor their condition closely to see if they require further treatment from a healthcare professional. Let's explore the steps you can take to manage the symptoms and promote recovery.

What can I do if my child has Traveller's Diarrhoea?

If your child experiences traveller's diarrhoea, it's important to focus on managing symptoms and preventing dehydration. The following guidelines can help you care for your child during this time:^6,7,8

• Do not give over-the-counter diarrhoea 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.
• If the symptoms show up upon arrival back home, keep your child out of daycare 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 diarrhoea or vomiting should not prepare food for others.
• Ensure that your child gets adequate food and liquids as dehydration is especially dangerous for young children. The doctor may also prescribe oral rehydration solutions (ORS) for your child to prevent dehydration.⁹
• Avoid giving your child foods that are high in fibre, fat, sugar or spice while they are recovering. Opt for foods that are gentle on the digestive system such as crackers, soup, chicken broth, rice, potatoes and bread.

Traveller’s diarrhoea is essentially similar in terms of symptoms to regular diarrhoea, aside from the fact that it usually occurs during, or shortly after travelling to a different country or area.¹ For more tips on how to deal with diarrhoea in children, check out our guide here.

Young children are constantly exploring the world, and their bodies are still in the process of developing strong defences. That's why it's crucial to provide them with all the essential nutrients they need! This fuels their energy for all their adventures and gives their immune systems a helping hand from within. Consider supplementing their diet with a trusted milk formula like Friso^® Gold.

For hygienic formula preparation on the go, our Friso^® Gold milk formula cans feature a protection lid that seals tight, keeping formula safe and a hygienic spoon rest that keeps your spoon within easy reach. This can help prevent contamination, which is especially important when travelling in order to minimise the risk of your child getting traveller's diarrhoea.

Introducing Friso^® Gold Formula Milk/Susu

Try Friso^® Gold Step 3 and Friso^® Gold Step 4. Made with milk and processed only once with LocNutri™ Technology to preserve more than 90% of nutrients, Friso^® Gold combines the magical goodness of nature with science to bring you easy to digest milk with more than 50 essential nutrients to help your child grow stronger from the inside.​

Friso^® Gold contains NOVAS™ Signature Milk, that has naturally small molecules and a soft structure, and is free from added flavours for easy digestion. Additionally, it now contains 2’-FL to support your child’s natural body defences. Curious to know the basics of formula milk ingredients?

DHA, AA, Omega 3 & 6 - To fuel learning growth. DHA is important for optimal visual and cognitive development.¹⁰ AA is recognised for its key role for optimal health, cognition and development during foetal and early postnatal life.¹¹ Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids are important for normal development of the brain, nervous system, sensory organs and intelligence.¹²

Calcium, Protein, Vitamin & Minerals - Muscle and bone growth. Calcium helps in the normal growth and development of bones and teeth. Protein is essential for your child’s growth, maintenance and repair for the body.¹³ Vitamins and minerals are vital for growth and metabolism.¹⁴

2'-FL, GOS, Nucleotides & Bifido Lactis - Helps absorb key nutrients & build strong immune systems. GOS are prebiotics that can help with constipation and more.¹⁵ Nucleotides can promote good gastrointestinal and immunological growth in young children.¹⁶ Bifido Lactis is important for diarrhoea prevention as well as immune and gut maturation.¹⁷ 2'-FL, also known as 2′-fucosyllactose, acts as a prebiotic, selectively nourishing the beneficial bacteria in a child's developing gut microbiome.^18,19 This targeted nourishment is essential for supporting the proper maturation of a child's natural body defences and digestive system during their early years.^20,21,22,23

For more information, check out our guide on what to look for in formulated milk powder for children, the various ingredients, what to avoid and key considerations to keep in mind when choosing formula milk for your child right here!

Ensuring your child has good digestion is crucial not just for their immediate comfort but to also prepare them for a happier future. Keen on trying it out? You may request a sample: Try a free 1-day trial pack or 50% off for 6 days-trial pack.

References

1. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/7315-travelers-diarrhea
2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK459348/
3. https://www.webmd.com/digestive-disorders/travelers-diarrhea
4. https://www.fitfortravel.nhs.uk/advice/disease-prevention-advice/travellers-diarrhoea.aspx
5. https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/page/travelers-diarrhea
6. https://www.drugs.com/cg/traveler-s-diarrhea-in-children.html
7. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2791431/
8. https://www.cham.org/health-library/article?id=aa140669spec
9. https://www.healthline.com/health/oral-rehydration-solution#ors-for-kids
10. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu5072777
11. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu11030602
12. https://organicsbestshop.com/blogs/organicsbestclub/why-omega-3-omega-6-is-important-for-children#:~:text=Omega%203%20and%206%20fatty,the%20first%20months%20after%20birth.
13. https://www.srnutrition.co.uk/2020/07/the-importance-of-protein-for-childrens-growth/#:~:text=Protein%20is%20essential%20for%20your,vitamin%20D%2C%20calcium%20and%20selenium.
14. Singh, Harinder & Marjina, & Singh, Amandeep & Sharma, Deepak & Singh, Gurmeet. (2020). Role of Mineral and Vitamin for Children and Pregnant Women. 19. 107-115.
15. Fanaro S, Boehm G, Garssen J, Knol J, Mosca F, Stahl B, Vigi V. Galacto-oligosaccharides and long-chain fructo-oligosaccharides as prebiotics in milk formulas: a review. Acta Paediatr Suppl. 2005 Oct;94(449):22-6. doi: 10.1111/j.1651-2227.2005.tb02150.x. PMID: 16214761.
16. https://www.einmilk.com/benefits-of-nucleotides-for-children/
17. https://doi.org/10.4137/CMPed.S33096
18. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6116142/
19. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30241407/
20. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6629589/
21. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6164445/
22. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10084749/
23. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26154029/