Stomach bugs surging as doctors say certain travel essentials could save your trip

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Dr.Robert Redfield warns parasite resistant to washing, found in produce

Former CDC Director Dr.Robert Redfield discusses the widespread cyclosporiasis parasite outbreak, noting its resistance to typical washing and chlorine.He stresses that cooking produce to 158 degrees is effective in eliminating the pathogen.Redfield explains the parasite transmits through fecally contaminated water or vegetables, requiring environmental exposure to become infectious to humans.

Stomach bugs can quickly turn a dream vacation into daysspent in a hotel room, but doctors say packing a few key essentials can help keep your summer or fall trip on track.

Gastrointestinal illnesses caused by bacteria, viruses or parasites commonly trigger nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and stomach cramps, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

The agency says travelers’ diarrhea, usually caused by bacteria, is the most commontravel-related illness.

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It affects an estimated 30% to 70% of travelers during a two-week trip, depending on the destination and season.

While not every stomach bug can be prevented, doctors say packing a few essentials before you leave can help manage symptoms, prevent dehydration and make it easier to know when it’s time to seek medical care.

Man sitting on his bed, holding his stomach.

Stomach bugs can quickly derail a dream vacation, but doctors say packing a few key essentials can help keep your trip on track.(iStock)

Before your next trip, the CDC recommends packing the following items:

Oral rehydration salts or electrolyte packets.These help replace fluids and electrolytes lost through diarrhea or vomiting.
An over-the-counteranti-diarrheal medication, such as loperamide, for mild diarrhea.It should not be used alone if diarrhea is accompanied by a fever or bloody stools.
Bismuth subsalicylate (Pepto-Bismol), which may help prevent or relieve travelers’ diarrhea in some cases.The medication is not appropriate for everyone, including people with aspirin allergies, certain medical conditions, pregnant women or some children.
Hand sanitizer containing at least 60% alcohol.This is for situations in which soap and water aren’t available.

If illness does strike, staying hydrated should be the top priority.

Most people recover from common stomach bugs within one to three days without treatment, though dehydration can become serious enough torequire medical attention, Chad D.Neilsen, director of Infection Prevention and Control at Nemours Children�

While stomach bugs aren’t always preventable, doctors say packing a few key items before your trip can help you manage symptoms, stay hydrated and recognize when it’s time to see a doctor.(iStock)

Doctors say smart food choices can also help reduce the risk of gastrointestinal illness while traveling.

Bethany Doerfler, a senior clinical research dietitian at the Digestive Health Institute of Northwestern Medicine, recommends thoroughly cooking higher-risk vegetables, such asleafy greens and fresh herbs, to reduce the risk of gastrointestinal illness, including parasitic infections such as Cyclospora.

“Heating to temperatures over 160 degrees [Fahrenheit] will kill the parasite,�

She also recommends choosing fruits and vegetables with thick skins that can be washed and peeled, such as bananas, avocados and melons, instead of avoiding fresh produce altogether.

Mother and daughter walk on the jet bridge to their plane, with backpacks and suitcases.

If you do get sick, experts say staying hydrated is the most important step.(iStock)

Careful food and beverage choices can help lower the risk of gastrointestinal illness, the CDC says, although the choices cannot eliminate it completely becauserestaurant hygieneand local sanitation are often beyond a traveler’s control.

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Travelers should seek medical care if diarrhea persists or worsens, particularly if it is accompanied by a fever, bloody stools or signs of dehydration.