Prevention
Diarrhea is something we all experience from time to time. Even so, passing loose, watery stools can lead to abdominal pain and cramps. These symptoms can leave you feeling fatigued and drained of energy. (13)
In some cases, diarrhea can be a symptom of an underlying health condition and can’t be avoided. However, you can reduce your risk of developing diarrhea by avoiding some of the causes.
You Should Wash Your Hands Often
Keeping your hands clean and frequently washed is one of the most effective ways to prevent diarrhea. This method is the most effective way to keep germs from spreading from person to person and from one community to another.
Hand washing is recommended at the following times:
- Before, during, and after food preparation
- Prior to eating
- After going to the bathroom
- Before and after providing care for someone with an illness
- Cleaning up after changing a diaper or cleaning up a child who has gone to the bathroom
- After blowing your sneeze, nose, or cough
- If you touch garbage
- Contact with animals, animal waste, and animal feed
Vaccinate Your Child
Vaccination against rotavirus is recommended for all infants, who are at risk for severe diarrhea. Other symptoms of the virus include fever, vomiting, and dehydration. According to the CDC, prior to the advent of the rotavirus vaccine, the U.S. was facing a serious health threat from the virus.
Before the vaccine availability, rotavirus caused more than 400,000 sick children each year to visit the doctor, approximately 200,000 to seek emergency medical care, and between 20 to 60 died. Hospitalizations for rotavirus have declined significantly in the United States since the vaccine was introduced.
Rotavirus vaccination should begin at around 2 months of age, according to the CDC. The second and third doses, if needed, should be administered 4 months and 6 months after the initial dose.
Vaccinating babies against rotavirus can protect them from severe diarrhea caused by the disease, and most babies won’t get rotavirus diarrhea at all.
Preventing Travelers’ Diarrhea
There is no travel-related illness more predictable than travelers’ diarrhea. You can also prevent it. According to the CDC, 30 to 70 percent of travelers will suffer from travelers’ diarrhea, depending on their destination and season of travel.
Even so, people can take a number of measures to avoid it. Here are some suggestions:
- Check for travel warnings on CDC’s website: CDC visitors’ health website informs travelers about health risks and disease warnings across the globe. You can find warnings and tips on this website if you are planning a trip outside of the United States in order to prevent you and your family from getting ill.
- Be careful what you eat and drink: The CDC may advise you to avoid eating parasites that can lead to illnesses in certain countries. Unless you peel the fruits and vegetables yourself, you should avoid raw fruits and vegetables. The water in some countries is unsafe to drink. Drink bottled water only in such places and stay away from tap water and ice cubes.
- Consult your doctor about antibiotics: Make an appointment with your healthcare provider before you depart for your destination to discuss any potential health risks while you are on a trip.