Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Typhoid
This serious bacterial infection is spread through food and water. It gives a high and slowly progressive fever, severe
headache, and may be accompanied by a dry cough and stomach pain. It is diagnosed by blood tests and treated with an-
tibiotics. Vaccination is recommended for all travellers spending more than a week in Thailand, or travelling outside of
the major cities. Be aware that vaccination is not 100% effective so you must still be careful with what you eat and
drink.
Traveller's Diarrhoea
Traveller's diarrhoea is by far the most common problem affecting travellers. In over 80% of cases, traveller's diarrhoea
is caused by a bacteria (there are numerous potential culprits), and responds promptly to treatment with antibiotics.
Here we define traveller's diarrhoea as the passage of more than three watery bowel movements within 24 hours, plus
at least one other symptom such as vomiting, fever, cramps, nausea or feeling generally unwell.
Treatment consists of staying well hydrated; rehydration solutions such as Gastrolyte are the best for this. Antibiotics
such as Norfloxacin, Ciprofloxacin or Azithromycin will kill the bacteria quickly. Seek medical attention if you do not
respond to an appropriate antibiotic.
Loperamide is just a 'stopper' that only treats the symptoms. It can be helpful, for example if you have to go on a
long bus ride. Don't take Loperamide if you have a fever, or blood in your stools.
Giardia lamblia
is a parasite that is relatively common. Symptoms include nausea, bloating, excess gas, fatigue and
intermittent diarrhoea. 'Eggy' burps are often attributed solely to giardiasis. The treatment of choice is Tinidazole, with
Metronidazole being a second-line option.
Amoebic dysentery is very rare in travellers but poor-quality labs tests may not recognise it when it's actually present.
Symptoms are similar to bacterial diarrhoea. You should always seek reliable medical care if you have blood in your
diarrhoea. Treatment involves two drugs; Tinidazole or Metronidazole to kill the parasite in your gut and then a second
drug to kill the cysts. If left untreated complications, such as liver abscesses, can occur.
