20% to 50% of international travellers will get traveller’s diarrhea (TD). A vaccine is available; visit our travel clinic before your trip.
Know before you go:
Treatment for TD is available; talk to a pharmacist about which medications to take with you and when to use them.- TD is caused by bacteria (including E. Coli), parasites (including Giardia), and viruses in food and water.
- TD spreads from contaminated food and water, or direct contact with an infected person with poor cleanliness.
Note: For the most up to date and detailed information on traveller’s diarrhea, see Travel Canada.
Tips for preventing traveller’s diarrhea include:
- Protect yourself with the vaccine before you travel.
- Follow the steps for proper hand washing with soap and water.
- Drink commercially sealed bottled water.
- Be very cautious in areas where drinking water and food preparation is not clean.
- Take the recommended steps to eat and drink safely while you travel.