Travelers' diarrhea prevention and care

MinuteClinic providers are trained to evaluate risk levels for travel-related illnesses, including travelers' diarrhea. They can assess risks based on factors that include your destination, seasonality and trip duration.

They can help you prepare for your trip with information and medication. They’ll share advice for best practices to avoid infection and contamination, along with care recommendations. Having remedies on hand can minimize disruptions to your travel, help you feel more comfortable and speed your recovery.

Your MinuteClinic provider can also review your medical history and prepare a personalized prevention plan. If you experience symptoms after returning from a trip abroad, they can also provide care.

1. You may have to answer a few questions about symptoms to help us prepare for your visit prior to scheduling your appointment.

2. Check-in varies depending on how you scheduled your appointment:

   If you made your appointment online:
   Check in using the email or text message we sent to confirm your appointment. If you prefer to check in using the electronic kiosk, make sure you have your confirmation code.

   If you made your appointment in the clinic:
   Sign in at the electronic kiosk.

   If you made a MinuteClinic Virtual Care® appointment:
   To join your virtual visit, use the link in the email or text message we sent you to confirm your appointment. Please join 15 minutes before your scheduled visit time. You will need your date of birth and zip code to join the visit.

3. When it's time for your appointment, a provider will call your name.
4. Your provider will conduct a thorough examination based on your reason for visit, presenting symptoms and health history. Charges will be based on examination and services provided during the visit.
5. At the end of your visit, you are provided with a visit summary, receipt and educational material about your diagnosis. At your request, we can send your primary care provider information about your visit.

Without treatment, symptoms may improve within 3 to 5 days. They might take longer. While waiting, stay hydrated with safe liquids such as bottled water. You might feel weak and listless, which might be caused by dehydration.

Frequent loose stools cause your body to lose a lot of water. It’s important to constantly rehydrate with clean water. You can also lose essential minerals (electrolytes) along with water. Carry rehydration packets, especially if you’re going to remote areas or locations that are less frequently visited.

Minimize the risk of travelers' diarrhea by avoiding the bacteria that cause it. Use these best practices:

• Drink bottled or canned carbonated drinks: Such as club soda and sparkling water.
• Make sure food is cooked and served while hot
• Wash and peel fruits and vegetables with clean water
• Keep your hands clean: Wash your hands frequently with soap and water (or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer). Do this especially after using the bathroom and before eating.
• Do not eat raw or undercooked meat and fish
• Drink sealed and purified bottled water: Also use to brush your teeth.
• Do not drink tap or well water: This includes beverages with ice made from tap or well water. Boil tap water when bottled water is not available.
• Avoid unpasteurized dairy products

An estimated 30 to 70% of travelers experience this illness, depending on their destination and seasonality. Countries and world regions are grouped into 3 risk categories by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC):

High-Risk destinations

• Asia
• Middle East
• Africa
• Mexico
• Central and South America

Intermediate-Risk destinations

• Eastern Europe
• South Africa
• Some Caribbean islands

Low-Risk destinations

• United States
• Canada
• Australia
• New Zealand
• Japan
• Northern and Western Europe

• Anti-motility agents: Provide prompt but temporary relief. They reduce muscle contractions in the gastrointestinal tract, slow the movement of food through the digestive system and allow more time for absorption. Note: These are not suitable for infants or people who have a fever or bloody stools.
• Bismuth subsalicylate: Adults may take a bismuth-based antacid. This over-the-counter medication can reduce trips to the bathroom and shorten symptom duration.
• Antibiotics: A prescription for these might be necessary if diarrhea occurs more than 4 times a day or if you experience severe symptoms. These severe symptoms include fever, as well as blood, mucus or pus in bowel movements. Note: Antibiotics are only effective if the travelers’ diarrhea is caused by bacteria.