Northern Germany is currently battling an outbreak of E-coli which has killed several people and made thousands more sick.

At the height of the crisis and before investigators had established the cause of the infection (they now believe it to be bean sprouts), I flew into Hannover airport for a stay in the north armed with antibacterial gel and half expecting the Germans to be clad in biohazard suits. Nothing could be further from the truth – despite the dire warnings, people seemed blithely unconcerned since there had been no cases in the neighbourhood where I was staying.

Our trip passed off entirely bacteria-free, although admittedly fruit and salad were entirely off the menu and I was heartily glad to embrace the green stuff again when I got home.

Some trips abroad though can end in disaster if you contract something nasty from the food that you eat, especially if the health care is patchy. A lack of immunity to common bugs in other countries can leave you seriously sick, but whether you are taking an exotic city break or getting right off the beaten track, a few simple precautions might help save the day.

Water, water everywhere

The water supply in some countries is questionable to say the least, so if in doubt, avoid it. That means you also need to refuse ice in drinks and brush your teeth with bottled water (it’s easy to forget).

When you buy the bottles, check the seal – I’ve been sold several that were just refilled with tap water and the top screwed on tight.

Just in case you arrive somewhere late and there’s no bottled water, carry a supply of water purification tablets for emergencies.

If you’re expecting to be travelling to very isolated areas for several weeks, it might be worth investing in a water pump which can purify even the foulest of puddles and means you always have a potable water supply wherever you go. In South America, Africa and India, I used mine a lot.

Wash the bugs away

Most of the locals will be immune to the common bacteria in their area, but that doesn’t stop them passing them on to you when you buy produce, get on the bus, go to the loo and so on.

Wash your hands as often as you can, and carry a supply of hand cleanser or alcohol wipes in case washing facilities are in short supply.

Boil it, peel it, cook it through.... or ignore it

You don’t have to become totally paranoid and eschew all the fabulous local food on offer – just make sure it is fully cooked and piping hot when you eat it.

A busy restaurant is a good sign that the food is tasty and fresh as it moves through the kitchen quickly. If the atmosphere is more Marie Celeste, then move on.

Salad is best avoided as it is probably washed with tap water if it’s washed at all; on one memorable occasion, I saw the lettuces stacked round the back of the restaurant next to the urinal drain which was a great encouragement to choose a different dish.

If there’s no refrigeration or the electricity supply is on and off, then avoid meat. I spent three weeks in India eating only vegetarian food and didn’t get sick once.

Buffets are a no-no unless you are really confident about the establishment’s hygiene standards – the food can sit around for hours at room temperature, the perfect breeding ground for germs, and it is also vulnerable to being sneezed on.

Street vendors are a difficult call – they often sell the very best local food at incredibly cheap prices, but I’ve seen stall holders washing the tea glasses in the gutter water so I tend to avoid them unless the food is fried or boiled at high temperatures .

Get shot

One sure fire way to avoid some of the worst diseases is to get vaccinated. Check that yours are up to date before you travel.

Heal thyself

Prevention is better than cure, but if you do come down with the lurgy, it’s essential to have some rehydration salt sachets with you in the first instance, until you can see a doctor.

A basic first aid kit containing a thermometer is also a must.

For some far flung destinations, you might want to talk to your doctor about taking a supply of the most common antibiotics, just in case they are needed; some travellers’ diarrhoea can be treated with antibiotics which can save you a whole lot of pain.

Carry some medicine as well to help you through longer journeys if you are still suffering and see a doctor if your symptoms don’t improve.