[pct-l] The Science of Hiker Belly

[Stewart Anderson]

hey all,
I wrote a medical guide for thru-hikers.  it's posted on white blaze
(google thru-hiker medical guide, IT'S FREE. just print it).
anyway, the research on backcountry GI illness shows that the
prevalence of giardia is pretty low.  Treating your water does reduce
the illness some. but washing your hands religiously (after every time
you dig a cat hole, pee, and before meals) is even mmore protective.
So, treating your water is a good idea, but more importantly WASH YOUR HANDS.
also, giardia is out there but most diarrheal illness is still viral,
and to a lesser extent bacterial (giardia is a protozoa).
hope this helps clear the air.
Doc Cabron (MD)