Avoid Stomach Bugs While Traveling With These Genius Water Tricks
By CHRISTINE ESTIMA
Whether you ate something unsettling, drank contaminated water, or even came into contact with an infected person, stomach bugs can quickly ruin a great vacation.
While not completely unavoidable, there are steps you can take to ensure that a pesky stomach bug doesn't entirely derail your trip, starting with not drinking the tap water.
Waterborne diseases are common in many parts of the world. While your body might already be used to the water quality at home, it can easily react poorly elsewhere.
Always choose bottled water instead of tap, and for extra precaution, bring water purification tablets. Avoid drinks that come with ice, as it's just frozen tap water.
Choose thoroughly cooked foods and hot drinks, as the heat effectively neutralizes harmful bacteria. Avoid fresh produce that may have been washed or processed in tap water.
Wash your hands for at least 20 seconds before eating, and use hand sanitizer. When brushing your teeth, use bottled water instead of tap.
If you still get sick, most stomach viruses go away after a few days. Over-the-counter solutions like Pepto Bismol, Advil, and Imodium can help manage symptoms.