Why are people falling sick?
There's been a lot in the news lately about people falling ill after drinking river or lake water, even after using a water filter. Why is that?
The short answer: they use the wrong product.
It's not just bacteria and parasites that make you sick; viruses are also a risk, especially if water has been contaminated by sewage. There are hundreds of portable water filters to choose from, but very few remove viruses, and even fewer have been tested and proven to do so. There are three main options to choose from:
- Ultrafiltration: Viruses are tiny compared to bacteria and parasite cysts, so for ultrafiltration to work, the pores need to be less than 2 nanometres (0.02 microns). Check the product details carefully.
- UV purifiers: these only really work with clear water - and viruses can still hide in the shadow of larger bacteria and cysts. Plus, if the battery runs out, nothing gets neutralised.
- Purifying tablets: tablets are effective against all microbiological contaminants, but they don't remove silt or sediment, and they can leave a chlorine taste. They're great to have as a back-up system and weigh almost nothing.
Taking a bottle of water with you should keep you safe, but whether you buy a lightweight plastic bottle of water or fill a reusable container from a safe source, bear in mind:
- Water is heavy, and once it's gone, it's gone. Taking enough water for your trip can make your backpack unnecessarily uncomfortable to carry.
- Unless the container you fill was sterilised, any bacteria inside will multiply quickly on a warm day
Choose wisely
LifeSaver water purifiers use ultrafiltration with pores of approximately 15 nanometres (0.015 microns), which are small enough to catch 99.99% of viruses and 99.9999% of anything else that might be in the water, including sediment and microplastics. They are designed to carry dirty water - you purify it as you need it, so any bacteria buildup in warm weather is removed. They also come with activated carbon filters that reduce chemicals and heavy metals, and make river water taste less like... river water. And, most importantly, they have been tested for the full life of the filter - not just the first few litres.
What to do if you do get sick while out
If you develop a tummy bug while out on a hike or camping trip, there are three main priorities: preventing dehydration, resting and knowing when to seek help. Stop and assess the situation.
- Find a safe place to rest, preferably with shelter from the sun or bad weather
- Avoid pushing on if you have repeated vomiting, severe diarrhoea, dizziness, or weakness.
- If you're with others, let them know you're unwell. If you're alone, inform someone of your situation if you can.
1. Prevent dehydration
Dehydration is the biggest risk and, if your drinking water source is the cause, the biggest challenge.
- Take frequent, small sips of water rather than drinking large amounts at once
- If you have an oral rehydration solution, use it according to the directions. If not, continue drinking clean water
- Avoid alcohol and limit caffeinated drinks as they can worsen dehydration
Eat only if you can tolerate it. Once vomiting settles, start with bland foods such as bread, rice, crackers or bananas. Avoid oily, fatty, spicy or dairy foods
2. Rest
Most viral tummy bugs improve within 24-72 hours. It's usually safer to stay put and conserve energy rather than attempting to push on. If you have a tent and have safe drinking water, set up camp for the night and let the trouble pass. If you didn't plan on staying out overnight or don't have water and cannot safely reach civilisation, you should call for help.
3. Getting help
While many of us don't like to make a fuss, becoming unwell (for any reason) while hiking or camping off the beaten track can become very serious if you don't get the help you need. The more isolated you are, the longer it will take for help to arrive, so don't hold out too long. Only you can judge how bad you feel, and only you will know what supplies you have, so it's up to you to ask for help if you need it.
Before you set off
A few lightweight items can make a big difference:
- Oral rehydration salts (ORS)
- Water purification tablets or a purifier
- Anti-diarrhoeal medication for emergencies if appropriate (avoid if you have bloody diarrhoea or a high fever unless advised by a healthcare professional)
- Anti-nausea medication if prescribed or recommended for you
- Hand sanitiser
- Toilet tissue and waste bags
The best prevention is careful food hygiene, drinking safe water using the right kind of water purifier, and regular hand washing (with purified water or hand sanitiser). If you're hiking in remote areas, carrying a means of emergency communication - such as a personal locator beacon or satellite messenger - can also be invaluable if illness becomes severe. And let someone know the route you plan on taking or the area you're exploring.
