Although vacations are typically a time to let go of all responsibilities, there is one thing travelers should pay attention to — their water intake.
From cocktails to juices, water quality varies from country to country and can leave travelers at risk of falling ill.
“Be careful about what liquids you consume while traveling,” Cai Glushak, chief medical officer of AXA Partners North America, told USA Today. “That’s especially true in developing and resource-challenged environments, where hygiene practices may be hard to guarantee.”
What makes tap water different from other beverages that may be available on vacation is the variance in regulations each country sets for its drinking water, as some countries might not ensure clean water for residents and visitors, which may lead to potential health risks.
For example, drinking contaminated water could lead to traveler’s diarrhea, which causes loose stool and stomach cramps. Most cases resolve within a few days, Glushak said. Still, it can quickly put a damper on a highly anticipated trip.
To lessen the side effects, experts recommend continuing to stay hydrated by drinking bottled water, adding electrolytes, or consuming clear broth in addition to occasionally taking over-the-counter medications like Imodium.
If the symptoms become severe — diarrhea lasting more than two days, fever above 102 degrees, dehydration, or black/bloody stools — a doctor should be contacted.
The best precautions to take are to pack electrolytes and to rely on bottled beverages as much as possible.
Despite experts recommending that water be given more scrutiny, people should also be mindful of their alcohol consumption due to the dehydration side effect in warmer environments.
“It can also exacerbate your symptoms and cause serious issues like pancreatitis, especially when combined with eating a lot of really rich foods,” John Gobbels, the chief operating officer of Medjet, told USA Today about consuming alcohol. “My advice is to use it in moderation.”
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