Diarrhea Prevention: Simple Steps to Avoid Illness

Diarrhea is unpleasant and can be dangerous if you or a child gets dehydrated. The good news: most cases are preventable. A few smart habits cut your risk a lot. Below are clear, practical tips you can use every day and when you travel.

Everyday steps that really work

Start with handwashing. Wash with soap and water for at least 20 seconds after using the toilet, before eating, and when handling food. If soap and water aren't available, use a hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.

Food safety matters. Cook meat and seafood to safe temperatures, keep hot foods hot and cold foods cold, and avoid unpasteurized milk or juices. Wash fruits and vegetables with safe water; peel them if you're unsure.

Keep kitchen surfaces and utensils clean. Use separate cutting boards for raw meat and vegetables. Refrigerate leftovers within two hours and toss anything left out too long.

For infants and young kids, breastfeeding reduces the chance of severe diarrhea. Make sure bottles and feeding equipment are washed and sterilized properly.

Travel tips, medicines, and smart choices

Traveling? Assume local water may not be safe. Drink bottled or boiled water, avoid ice, and skip raw salads or street food that sits out. Eat foods that are cooked and served hot.

Vaccines help too. The rotavirus vaccine prevents the most serious diarrhea in babies and is part of routine immunizations in many countries. Ask your pediatrician if it's right for your child.

Probiotics can lower the risk of diarrhea in some situations, especially antibiotic-associated diarrhea. Strains like Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG and Saccharomyces boulardii have the best evidence. A daily yogurt with live cultures may help, but check with your doctor if you have a weakened immune system.

Zinc supplements shorten diarrhea in young children in low-resource settings and are recommended by WHO for treatment in those areas. Don’t give zinc to children without talking to a healthcare provider first if you’re unsure.

Use antibiotics only when prescribed. Overuse disrupts gut bacteria and increases the chance of antibiotic-associated diarrhea, including C. difficile infections in older adults.

Quick note on medicines: Loperamide (Imodium) can stop symptoms in adults with mild travel diarrhea, but avoid it if you have bloody stool, high fever, or severe belly pain. Don’t use loperamide for young children unless a doctor says so.

Watch for dehydration. Signs include very dry mouth, little or no urine, dizziness, or sunken eyes. Use oral rehydration salts (ORS) at home to replace fluids and salts. Seek medical help right away for severe dehydration, bloody diarrhea, high fever, or if symptoms last more than 48 hours in adults (sooner for infants and older adults).

Small changes—like washing hands, safe food habits, smart travel choices, and using vaccines and probiotics sensibly—cut your chance of diarrhea a lot. Want a quick checklist or travel kit list? I can make one for where you’re going.