Originally Posted by
DaveS
Unfortunately it is an occupational hazard that goes with travel. As with most things, prevention is better than cure. That means bottled water for everything including brushing teeth. No doubt you have read all the advice on this. Diarrhoea has various causes and you need to chose the right treatment. Antibiotics can help with a bacterial infection but will do nothing for a virus or parasite like cryptosporidium. Having some flexibility and a plan should you fall ill is wise.
Yes, in my experience this is really the key. Avoid ingestion of water that is not boiled. In addition to this good suggestion on brushing teeth, avoid uncooked vegetables (washed with water) and ALL ice. Eat fruit from hard skins only as they don't need to be washed. Exceptions only at like the finest hotels that obviously cater to tourists as they usually do their own filtration. Bring your own disposable cutlery (I like to travel with my own lot of bamboo chopsticks) for when your food stand does not provide, although most places worldwide are good with providing disposable chopsticks or plastic forks.
Sounds like you would be careful enough, but obviously don't throw caution out the window because you're traveling. If that tableside condiment looks dirty/unclean/super crusty, best to skip.
You may miss out on 10% of foods in the moment, but you gain in the long run because you can't eat when you're sick.