Physician Advice on Travel Vaccinations and Travel Health
Posted in Germs and Worms, Traveler's Diarrhea on Jun 16th, 2011
First, it was the Spanish cucumbers. Then, they were declared to germ free. Then, salad sprouts from a northern German farm were identified as the culprits in the E. coli outbreak in Germany. Then, German health authorities backed off as they couldn’t find the germ at the farm. Several days later, sprouts are back in [...]
Posted in Germs and Worms, Traveler's Diarrhea on Jun 2nd, 2011
There is panic in Europe now over an enemy that you can’t see or hear. Nearly 20 people in Germany have died from a deadly strain of E. coli bacteria, and the news may get worse over the next several days. Public health officials are worried because many of the infected patients have developed kidney [...]
Posted in Germs and Worms, Traveler's Diarrhea on May 3rd, 2011
BAD NEWS: a nationwide recall of cucumbers was just announced because of contamination with salmonella. GOOD NEWS: no one became ill. The system to protect the public actually worked. Too often, food inspectors and public health officials swoop down after a disease outbreak has occurred and many people are already sick. In this case, cukes were recalled before [...]
Posted in Traveler's Diarrhea on Mar 2nd, 2011
If you are traveling abroad, would you prefer to visit scenes of spectacular natural beauty, or the scene in this photograph? This blog has published several posts on Traveler’s Diarrhea, a disease that can strike suddenly and ruin a trip. Researchers are working hard to develop new treatments and a vaccine to prevent Montezuma’s Revenge. [...]
Posted in Traveler's Diarrhea on Dec 23rd, 2010
I am not just a traveler’s diarrhea blogger, but I am a former sufferer of the disease. The only surefire way to avoid traveler’s diarrhea is not to travel. Even the most careful and cautious traveler can be struck down hours after ingesting invisible germs that are hiding on a fork, in the salad bar, [...]
Posted in Traveler's Diarrhea on Dec 16th, 2010
Frugal travelers are always looking to save a buck. Even well-heeled travelers are happy to save some money. A fact of life is that everyone, regardless of their economic circumstance, likes to get something for free. For this reason, travelers are bombarded with all kinds of discounts on accommodations, restaurants, touring attractions and entertainment. [...]
Posted in Germs and Worms, Traveler's Diarrhea on Oct 28th, 2010
Travelogue readers should already know which is the most common infection that affects international travelers. The answer is… Traveler’s diarrhea Hepatitis Common cold Malaria Yellow Fever Stumped? If so, then go with your ‘gut’, since this disease attacks your intestines. Traveler’s diarrhea is by far the most common infection that occurs in travelers headed abroad, [...]
Posted in Food Safety, Germs and Worms, Traveler's Diarrhea on Jun 16th, 2010
Traveler’s diarrhea (TD) is the most common infectious disease affecting international travelers. The vast majority of these cases are caused by bacteria, with viruses and parasites accounting for about 20% of cases. This disease can be effectively prevented and treated, if it strikes. Are You Prepared? Boil it, Cook it, Peel it or Forget it [...]
Posted in Food Safety, Travel Vaccinations, Traveler's Diarrhea on Dec 12th, 2009
This is huge news for travelers, although it’s not a done deal yet. As of now, there is no vaccine for traveler’s diarrhea, an illness that afflicts millions of travelers every year. It is the most common illness abroad affecting 20-50% of travelers. It strikes suddenly and can ruin many business and leisure vacations. Those [...]
Posted in Germs and Worms, Traveler's Diarrhea on Jun 27th, 2009
This is a controversial issue. Many international travelers pack some Cipro or another antibiotic in case Montezuma’s revenge strikes them with a fury. Are antibiotics the right choice for traveler’s diarrhea? Is there a risk? What else can travelers do? Erik McLaughlin, M.D., a seasoned travel blogger, offers excellent tips on how to keep traveler’s [...]
