| No: 19 | July 2008 |
The WHO Guide on Safe Food for Travellers The advice given in this guide is important for every traveller, and of particular importance for high-risk groups i.e. infants and young children, pregnant women, elderly and immunocompromised individuals, including those with HIV/AIDS. The WHO Five Keys to Safer Food global message is adapted in this guide to specifically address the health concerns associated with travel. Prevention is better than cure! Before leaving home consult your physician for advice on the various diseases to which you may be exposed at your destination, and the need for vaccinations or other preventive measures. Make sure you carry in your luggage Oral Rehydration Salts (ORS), and any other medicines you may require during your travel. What to do if you get diarrhoea ? Most diarrhoeal attacks are self-limited and clear up in a few days. Diarrhoea may be accompanied by nausea, vomiting and/ or fever. The important thing is to avoid becoming dehydrated. Ensure that you always drink sufficient amounts of fluids, particularly when travelling in a hot climate. This is extremely important for children. If the child is restless or irritable, or shows signs of strong thirst, or has sunken eyes, or dry skin with reduced elasticity, dehydration is already progressing and immediate medical attention should be sought. Should bowel movements be very frequent, very watery or contain blood, or last beyond 3 days you should seek medical help. Where there is no medical help available a complete 3-day course of ciprofloxacin* (500 mg twice a day for adults, 15mg/kg twice a day for children) can be taken. As soon as diarrhoea starts, drink more fluids, such as oral rehydration formula, boiled, treated or bottled water, weak tea, soups or other safe fluids. Avoid any drinks that tend to remove more water from the body, including coffee, overly sweetened drinks, some medicinal teas and alcohol.  Reference |
