Diarrhea - Prevention

- Wash your hands frequently, especially after preparing food, handling raw food, using the toilet, sneezing, and coughing. Remember to wash your hands thoroughly with soap for at least 20 seconds.
- Serve food right away or refrigerate it after it has been cooked. Do not leave your food out at room temperature for too long to prevent contamination caused by bacteria.
- Wash work surfaces frequently to avoid the spread of germs.
- Limit eating raw or undercooked meats and dairy products such as milk and cheese. 
- Limiting drinking unfiltered tap water or using ice cubes.
- Boil water before drinking to prevent bacteria growth.
- Consult your doctor or pharmacist about taking antibiotic before your trip to reduce the risk of traveler’s diarrhea.


References:
1. Fiscella, Richard and Michael Kirk Jensen. APhA Handbook of Nonprescription Drugs: Chapter 17 Diarrhea. 16th Edition, Washington DC: American Pharmacists Association, 2009.
2. Louise Chang, MD. WebMD. http://www.webmd.com/digestive-disorders/diarrhea-10/symptoms-serious, 2011
3. Mayo clinic staffs, http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/diarrhea/DS00292, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 2010
4. MedlinePlus, http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/imagepages/19659.htm
5. http://www.drugs.com/cg/acute-diarrhea.html, 2010-2011
6. NDDIC (National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse) http://digestive.niddk.nih.gov/ddiseases/pubs/diarrhea/, 2011
7. WebMD.http://img.webmd.com/dtmcms/live/webmd/consumer_assets/site_images/articles/health_and_medical_reference/digestive_disorders/diarrhea.jpg, 2011

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