There are a number of extremely serious diseases caused by contaminated food and water. Four of these major diseases are dysentery, which can be preceded by traveler's diarrhea, cholera, hepatitis A, and typhoid. These diseases are more prevalent in third world countries, but people can contract them even in their own home town. Here is some info that can help you lessen the chance of getting these diseases when you take a tropical vacation.

What things can you do to lessen the chance of contracting these serious diseases when traveling?

Drink only bottled water when you are on holidays. Check to make sure that the seal of the cap has not been broken. If it shows any sign of being tampering with, do not drink the water. In many third world countries, it is not uncommon for some street vendors, children, or restaurants to fill water bottles with tap water and offer them to tourists as authentic bottled water.

Ice cubes can be a major source of contaminated water. Unlike bottled water, there is no way that you, as a vacationer, can be sure the ice cubes were made from a safe, non-contaminated source of water unless the restaurant has an impeccable reputation. Therefore, you shouldn't use ice cubes in your drinks unless you are positive the source of the water is safe.

When you are planning a tropical vacation it is advisable to avoid eating any uncooked foods such as salads as they are another major source of these diseases.

How do people usually contract traveler's diarrhea?

Traveler's diarrhea is usually caused by contaminated food or water, but it can also be caused by stress or a change of location when traveling. Some symptoms are gas, nausea, upset stomach, cramps and a liquid stool.

What should you do if you get traveler's diarrhea?

You should drink a lot of purified water and soda or pop to prevent dehydration. These symptoms usually subside within two or three days, if these symptoms persist or get more severe, you should get medical help immediately as you may have one of two more serious conditions, bacteria, or amoeba dysentery.

What are some of the symptoms of dysentery?

Severe headaches, stomach cramps, a high fever, vomiting, blood and/or mucous in the stool are the usual symptoms of both bacteria and amoeba caused dysentery. Both types of dysentery can develop into very serious conditions if left untreated. Seek medical help immediately.

What is the difference between hepatitis A and B?

Hepatitis A is a highly infectious disease that is spread through contaminated water (including ice cubes) and food. Hepatitis B is spread the same way that the HIV virus is spread, by infected body fluids or blood through sexual contact, a transfusion, or a cut or break in the skin. Both diseases have very similar symptoms which may include chills, a fever, headaches, feeling fatigued, nausea and vomiting, aches and pains, lack of appetite, stomach cramps, dark colored urine and light colored feces. Yellow whites of the eyes and a jaundiced skin are also common symptoms. If you get a few, or all of these symptoms you to have seek medical help as soon as possible. However, as a precaution, it would make a lot of sense to see your local health authority before you travel on holidays and get vaccinations against both of these diseases. Keep in mind that your first line of defense is to get vaccinated against hepatitis A and B before you traveling.

It is advisable to ask your local health authority if you need to be vaccinated before your trip. Some of the countries you plan to visit could require an up to date vaccination certificate. Even if they don't, it still makes a lot of sense to get vaccinated as hepatitis A is highly infectious. Hepatitis B can trigger AIDS. Both diseases will attack the liver. There is a vaccination, Twinrix, which protects you from both hepatitis A and B. You can find more information about this vaccination at Twinrix.com.

What can you do if you contract cholera?

Cholera causes bad diarrhea, which may lead to severe dehydration and possibly death. This disease is contracted through contaminated food and water. And immunization is not considered effective, so you need to practice good hygiene.

How can you protect yourself from contracting typhoid?

Typhoid is a disease that's also transmitted through contaminated food and water. You should get immunized for typhoid when you are traveling to countries where sanitation is poor.