The “turista”, a pretty name for an ugly diarrhea that can ruin your holidays! Our advice to prevent it by respecting strict food hygiene or to treat it.
Our gut doesn’t like north-south travel! And not only when it comes to distant destinations: France itself is not the country of gastronomy without risk and the Swede is almost as often sick in our country as we are south of the Mediterranean! It is only the change of food, water or climate that causes this disturbance.
But it is only when microbes come into play, when there is contamination, that we can really speak of “turista”. And it is most often the water that is in question. Despite all the warnings, it’s easy to get tricked into a salad, fruit, or just brushing your teeth.
Beware of ice cubes in drinks
Not to mention ice cubes, formidable vectors of disease. It is difficult, when one is dehydrated, thirsty and sensitive to the heat of the countries of the South, to refuse a good drink refreshed by ice cubes of which one quickly forgets the possible doubtful origin…
The maniacs will perhaps manage, at the cost of constant vigilance or a totally “Europeanized” stay, to escape the evil, the others will have to suffer!
For most victims, it will be just frequent and urgent visits to the toilet … hoping that it will be easily accessible.
Dehydration can be rapid
Nothing alarming, except in the elderly and in toddlers because in the event of diarrhea, often accompanied by vomiting, dehydration can be extremely rapid. You must therefore drink a lot, but be careful what you drink: mineral water or sodas bottled by a known manufacturer or light tea – the water is boiled and is therefore no longer contaminating – with a lot of sugar .
The diet is generally recommended … but it is true that when you are struck by “turista”, it is rare to be very hungry!
Normally, the symptoms disappear in 24 hours and we can gradually resume a normal diet, favoring carrots and rice which have an astringent effect.
In case of temperature, take antibiotics or intestinal antiseptics
If you notice the presence of temperature accompanied by nausea, vomiting and stomach cramps, do not hesitate to take antibiotics or intestinal antiseptics, which you must remember to be prescribed by your doctor before departure. It is often very complicated or even impossible to have these drugs delivered on site without a medical prescription.
Finally, if the diarrhea persists after 24 hours or if there is blood in the stool, it may be contamination by amoebae, a parasite widespread in tropical and sub-tropical areas. In this case, it is imperative to consult and obtain treatment on site or, when the destination is not too far away, return quickly to see your doctor.
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