Recover from stomach ailments on the holiday abroad

SickSick.Photo: Terje Bendiksby / SCANPIX .

Many get their holiday ruined by food poisoning and  being infected by eating  food. But this can be avoided by following certain rules of diet and hygiene .

Many countries have a higher incidence of harmful bacteria, viruses and parasites than we have in Norway. Public Health warns people journeying from their native Norway to be alert.
– It is wise to remember that the daily routines at home are different from the way things are when you are on vacation.  At home  you often make the food yourself, on vacation you usually go out to eat. This makes you more exposed,  senior adviser Bernardo Guzman Herrador says to NTB.

The bacteria Campylobacter and Salmonella accounts for most cases of intestinal infection discovered in this country. Over half of those who get the disease Campylobacteriosis are infected abroad. The corresponding figures for salmonellosis is 70-80 percent.
In addition there are a number of other bacteria, viruses and parasites that can cause diarrhea complaints on foreign travel,  the NIPH informs through the website Matportalen.

Careful with lukewarm food
Contaminated food and water can lead to diarrhea and vomiting, but most infectious agents are killed by boiling and frying food.However, some bacteria may produce poisons if they are allowed to reproduce in food, and are also not destroyed by heat treatment.

– Also note that if food remains tepid long time after it has been boiled or roasted, you may get sick because some bacteria survive as spores and form toxins in the food after it is cooked or fried, reminding NIPH.
Generally, it is safe to eat boiled and fried foods that are really hot.Fruits and vegetables that you peel yourself are also safe.

Remember the ice cubes

By complying with some simple dietary advice, you may save the “holiday stomach”. Many people   already know of the advice to avoid drinking water that is not disinfected. Remember that this also applies to ice, which is a common source of infection.
In addition, you should be wary of:
* Cold sauces
* Unpasteurized milk and products made from such milk
* Soft-boiled eggs, fried eggs and omelets that are not competely cooked
* Food cooked with raw eggs (mayonnaise, desserts)
* Uncooked vegetables, berries, lettuce and sprouts
* Fruit that can not be peeled
* Raw or incompletely cooked shellfish
* Undercooked or raw meat
* Food served when lukewarm

Advice to pregnant women
Pregnant women should only eat meat that is completely cooked or fried . This is because the risk of infection of the parasite Toxoplasma.
It is also important to avoid uncooked vegetables, berries, salads and sprouts that have not been thoroughly washed. The same applies to fruit that can not be peeled.

Steer clear of tap water, even when brushing your teeth. Instead, use bottled water. And try not to swallow water when showering or bathing in water that may be contaminated, the  NIPH advise.
It is also very important that pregnant women take extra care to wash their hands after using the toilet or handling animals and before preparing food and meals,they advise.
– Young children, those with chronic diseases or problems with the immune system are also groups that ought to be particulary cautious, Herrador says.

 

Source: NTB scanpix / Norway Today