Cholera is treated by quickly replacing the lost fluids with water containing salts and sugar. Intravenous fluids may sometimes be needed. Antibiotics (such as tetracycline hydrochloride) may shorten both the period of diarrhea and the infectiousness. While it is usually taken by mouth, IV tetracycline may be needed for very sick patients. Antidiarrheal medicine should not be taken without a prescription.
As soon as vomiting stops, the patient should eat a bland diet rich in carbohydrates and low in protein and fats. Airlines are required to carry onboard packets of oral rehydration solution if they carry passengers to and from cholera-infected areas so that anyone developing severe diarrhea on a long flight will not get dehydrated. With proper treatment, most patients will recover with no permanent damage.
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