How to Prevent Illness in the Wilderness

The key to preventing illness in the wilderness, especially gastrointestinal distress, is maintaining proper hygiene in camp.

Difficulty: Moderately challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Wilderness First Aid Classes
• First Aid Kits

1. Disinfect drinking water (see "How to Disinfect Drinking Water in the Wilderness").

2. Keep perishable food cold.

3. Heat food thoroughly, which in most cases means to the boiling point.

4. Wash your hands after relieving yourself and before preparing or eating a meal.

5. Clip your fingernails frequently and keep the undersides clean.

6. Don't share eating utensils or water bottles.

7. Use a set of common serving utensils.

8. Pour food from bags rather than reaching into the bag with your hands.

9. Boil your cooking utensils at least once a day.

10. Rinse utensils thoroughly after washing, since remaining soap can cause diarrhea.

11. Don't prepare meals if you're sick.

12. Don't store cooked food, since bacteria can breed at will in it. Instead, plan meals carefully so that no food is left.

Tips & Warnings

• Heighten your awareness of hygiene when in the wilderness. Being away from the hygienic comforts of home can become dangerous if you're not careful.
• Always be aware of what your hands have been touching, and wash them more frequently than you would at home.

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