Nobody ever wants to get sick, but it’s especially unpleasant when you’re on vacation. After all, you took this trip to relax and recharge, not to spend your days cooped up in a hotel room feeling awful. Luckily, there are steps you can take to avoid getting sick while traveling.
1. Get vaccinated
When planning a trip to a foreign country, it’s important to research the vaccinations that are recommended or required for that destination. For example, travelers to Africa may need to get vaccinated for yellow fever, while those heading to Southeast Asia may need to receive a Hepatitis A shot. In addition, it’s always a good idea to make sure that your routine vaccinations, such as the flu vaccine, are up-to-date. By taking these steps, you can help protect yourself from diseases that are common in other parts of the world.
2. Digitize your medical information
Make sure you have electronic copies of your important medical information, like your immunization record, prescription list, and insurance card. That way, if you do get sick while traveling, it will be easier for you (or a doctor) to access your medical history. Saving medical records as PDFs allows for easy and secure sharing with healthcare providers, reduces the risk of losing important information, and enables convenient access to personal health history. If you need to email any documents, selecting a PDF compressor reduces the file size.
3. Pack healthy essentials
Travel can be hard on your body, so make sure you pack healthy snacks, plenty of water, and any medications or supplements you need to stay healthy. If you have special dietary restrictions, research restaurants, and grocery stores at your destination that can accommodate your needs. And if you’re flying, remember that the air onboard is recycled, so it’s extra important to stay hydrated during your trip.
4. Take precautions against illness
There are some simple things you can do to reduce your risk of getting sick while traveling: wash your hands often, avoid touching your face and steer clear of people who are sick. Choose accommodations with private bathrooms and good ventilation.
When flying, try to get an aisle seat so you can get up and walk around easily if you start feeling cramped. Also, make a point to keep your daily exercise routine, even if it’s modified to fit your travel, and to make healthy diet choices. And finally, drink alcohol in moderation because getting drunk is a surefire way to end up feeling awful the next day.
5. What to do if you do get sick while traveling
First of all, try not to worry, most travel-related illnesses are relatively minor and can be easily treated with over-the-counter medication. If symptoms persist or worsen, however, it’s important to seek medical attention. In many countries, it’s easy to find English-speaking doctors or clinics, but it’s still a good idea to bring along a copy of your medical information as well as any insurance documents.
Call ahead to the doctor or clinic to make sure they can treat what you’re experiencing, and ask about their payment policies and what your insurance will cover. Once you’ve been seen by a doctor and received treatment, it’s time for the most important step: rest! Stay hydrated, eat healthy meals, and take time to recuperate so you can enjoy the rest of your trip.
Getting sick while traveling is no picnic, but it’s sometimes unavoidable. The best thing you can do is be prepared by packing essential medications, digitizing your medical information, and getting vaccinated before you travel. And if you do happen to catch something while away from home, remember that most illnesses are easily treatable and will resolve in a day or so.
