How to prevent illness?

I would suggest that you go to the World Health Center Website, there are numerous reasons for "traveler's sickness." You may develop a bacterial infection, such as an coli strain, or a parasite which sulfa drugs will not benefit.

It is most important that you treat the specific problem, as you could easily create a bad situation by pro actively taking an anti-biotic and developing a "super bacterial infection" as the "bug" develops reistance to the chemical.

It is a very poor and dangerous practice to take an antibiotic for precautionary reason

Stefan Herrit

Oh please.... can you prevent illnesses here at home? Do the same that you would do at home --- easy on the sun, easy on the pina coladas and other drinks and also your fruit intake. Remember, the breakfast that you eat at home is totally different when you are at a breakfast buffet -- fruit+++++ ! People always blame it on the water, but they forget about the other factors. You can get a prescription for lomotil - you only take it if you get the diarrhea, but not take it before hand.

First of all Ms. Lopez, "Mom" was asking a very valid question for a visitor to a foreign country and I am sure she did not appreciate your snide remarks. And since you are giving medical advice....just where did you obtain your M.D. degree? I want to be sure and avoid physicians from there. The WHO (World Health Organization) for the uninitiated suggests trimethroprim-sulfa, one tablet daily beginning three days prior to departure and daily while on your trip and continuing for three days after your return to prevent gastrointestinal distress. Escherichia coli and enteric viruses are the most probable causes. Little is knows of the epidemiology though out breaks may be food or water borne. The pathophysiology is uncertain. Since this is a prescription medication it is suggested the person contact their physician for proper advice, dosage and alternatives if they are allergic to sulfa. It is also always advisable to carry anti diarrheal medication with you in addition. Watch WHERE you eat and WHAT you eat. Enjoy.

I have read a lot about illness in the DR and the bad water. I thik that I should let everyone know that getting ill is not necessarily the rule in the DR. I lived there for a year and have spent months at a time there since and I have NEVER gotten ill while in the DR. I would suggest that you do what I do when there or in any third world country.

1. Don't drink tap water, unless properly filtered. Yes! Even to brush your teeth.

2. Be sure that all food is properly cooked.

3. If it is not cooked be sure that you can peal it. This means watch out for those green leafy vegies.

4. Watch your exposure to the sun. It can make you sick.

5. Eat or drink the exotic foods in moderation.

Now go and enjoy yourself.

Ech,M.D. -I agree what you are saying and I was not "giving medical advise", I was just commenting from my past experiences. People when they go to any tropical island, always think that the water is the problem for their sickness. You must know, that the tourists go crazy on there 1 or 2 week vacation - all inclusive - which means they over do it! -- alcohol++++, sun+++++, acidic fruits+++++. I myself would not take any medication that is not necessary for the fear of having a reaction while down there. So, here in Canada, they normally just prescribe lomotil. I lived down there, and did drink the water - and had no problems. But, not everyone is the same.

P.S. "WATCH WHAT and WHERE you eat" --- some of the local restaurants are much better than the all inclusive hotel food!

Stefan, I agree.

I agree. Said very well. Even here in Canada, you have to watch what you eat and how you cook it!

My doctor prescribed some stuff called Lonox, but I'm sure there are other effective anti-diarrhea medicines. He also sent me with a bottle of ampicillin just in case I needed it as anti-biotics may not be readily available. Don't drink tap water, don't brush your teeth in it. Be wary of ice and salads that might have been washed in tap water - most reputable establishments are ok, but if you're suspect, skip them. Although too much partying can lead to upset stomach - it is very wise to be educated about these very real concerns. Enjoy this beautiful country!

Some of you have written and suggested getting a prescription from a doctor prior to going to DR to prevent illness from water etc... What presciption did you get?

Burmell I did everything you suggested and still got sick. And I am a Chef so I understand proper food preperation and can spot things that may be a problem easyer then the avarge person. I was so careful and really did everything in moderation I don't understand why I got sick.