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There are a number of very serious diseases that are caused by contaminated food and water. Some of these major diseases are dysentery, which can be preceded by traveler’s diarrhea, hepatitis A, cholera, and typhoid. These diseases are very prevalent in third world countries, however, people can contract them even in their own home town. Here is some information that can help you lessen the chance of getting these diseases when you take a tropical holiday.

What precautions can you take to lessen the chance of contracting these serious diseases when you travel?

Drink only bottled water when you are on holidays. Check to make sure that the seal of the cap has not been broken. If it shows any sign of being tampering with, do not drink the water. In many third world countries, it is not uncommon for some street vendors, children, or restaurants to fill water bottles with tap water and offer them to tourists as authentic bottled water.

Ice cubes can be another major source of contaminated water. Unlike bottled water, there is no way that you can determine if the ice cubes in your drink were made from a non-contaminated source of water. Unless you know for sure the restaurant, or drinking establishment you are at has an impeccable reputation, you should not use ice cubes in your drinks.

When you are planning a tropical vacation it is advisable to avoid eating any uncooked foods such as salads as they are another major source of these diseases.

How do people commonly contract traveler’s diarrhea?

Traveler’s diarrhea is usually caused by contaminated food or water, but it can also be caused by stress or a change of location when traveling. Some symptoms are gas, nausea, upset stomach, cramps and a liquid stool.

What should you do if you contract traveler’s diarrhea?

Drink a lot of liquids such as purified water and soda or pop to prevent getting dehydrated. These symptoms usually pass in two or three days, but, if the symptoms persist or are getting more severe, you should find medical help immediately as you could have one of two more serious conditions, bacteria, or amoeba dysentery.

What are some common of the symptoms of dysentery?

Severe headaches, stomach cramps, a high fever, vomiting, blood and/or mucous in the stool are the usual symptoms of both bacteria and amoeba caused dysentery. Both types of dysentery can develop into very serious conditions if left untreated. Seek medical help immediately.

What is the difference between hepatitis A and B?

Hepatitis A is a highly infectious disease that is spread through contaminated water (including ice cubes) and food. Hepatitis B is spread the same way that the HIV virus is spread, by infected body fluids or blood through sexual contact, a transfusion, or a cut or break in the skin. Both diseases have very similar symptoms which may include chills, a fever, headaches, feeling fatigued, nausea and vomiting, aches and pains, lack of appetite, stomach cramps, dark colored urine and light colored feces. Yellow whites of the eyes and a jaundiced skin are also common symptoms. If you get a few, or all of these symptoms you to have seek medical help as soon as possible. However, as a precaution, it would make a lot of sense to see your local health authority before you travel on holidays and get vaccinations against both of these diseases. Keep in mind that your first line of defense is to get vaccinated against hepatitis A and B before you traveling.

It’s advisable to find out from your local medical health authority if you should be vaccinated before your trip. Some countries you want to visit may require an up-to-date vaccination certificate. Even if they don’t require one, it still makes good sense to be vaccinated as hepatitis A is highly infectious. Hepatitis B may lead to AIDS. Both of these diseases attack the liver. There is a vaccination called Twinrix which protects you against both hepatitis A and B. You can find out more about this combo vaccination at Twinrix.com.

What should you do if you get cholera?

Cholera causes severe diarrhea, which can lead to extreme dehydration and possibly death. This serious disease is transmitted through contaminated food and water. Immunization is not considered effective so you must practice good hygiene.

How can you protect yourself against getting typhoid?

Typhoid is a disease that’s also transmitted through contaminated food and water. You should get immunized for typhoid when you are traveling to countries where sanitation is poor.