Health Topics A-Z

How Can I Prevent It?

Though some types of diarrhea, such as those due to other medical conditions, are unavoidable, infectious diarrhea can be prevented. The most important way to avoid diarrhea is to avoid coming into contact with infectious agents that can cause it. This means that good hand washing and hygiene are very important. Also, if you travel to developing countries, you should take the following precautions:

• Drink only bottled water, even for tooth brushing.
• Avoid eating from street vendors.
• Avoid ice made with tap water, rather than bottled water.
• Eat only those fruit or vegetables that are cooked or can be peeled.
• Be sure that all foods you eat are thoroughly cooked and served steaming hot.
• Never eat raw or undercooked meat or seafood.
• Obtain Hepatitis A vaccination prior to travel if indicated for that region.