How to avoid getting sick on vacation
Getting sick is normal, it is part of life. When you travel, you are not exempt from it. It is especially important to be careful when you travel since you may encounter bugs to which your body has not developed some level of immunity. However, there are some measures that you can take to reduce your chances of getting ill on your vacation.
One of the easiest ways to avoid an infection is by washing your hands. It is however quite surprising how many people forget this basic preventative measure. The significance of washing hands has been well-documented for the prevention of illnesses such as cholera.
Other illnesses that can be prevented by good hand hygiene are the flu, MRSA, Hepatitis A, food poisoning, and even diarrhea. Most people now travel with a small hand gel to keep germs at bay. However, it is never a good enough replacement for soap and water.
You can also avoid infection by only taking bottled water. It is especially so if you travel to a place where the sanitation is of low quality. Even when you find the locals are not susceptible to it, their stomach bacteria may be different from yours. Thus, you should not take any chances with your health.
In addition to taking bottled water, you should check its quality. Buy your water from reputable brands and also ensure that it comes with a seal. It is quite common in some places around the world for you to be sold bottles with refilled tap water.
Another option is to purchase a bottle with a built in filter. It cuts down on the amount of money you use to buy water. There is also the added advantage that you will not damage the environment by dumping waste water bottles.
Watch out for food contamination when you travel. It is one of the biggest sources of infection for travelers. If you do not watch out, your trip could be cut short besides putting you in a hospital. When you eat food, ensure that it is fresh, thoroughly cooked and that it is served hot.
If you love eating street food, you should watch out for hygiene practices. For instance, check if the person preparing the food uses disposable gloves. Additionally, check if the person handling the money is the same one handling the food. You should also check if the raw food is stored properly or left in the open.
It is best for you to avoid things such as salads that are prepared with untreated water. Besides that, you should also avoid raw vegetables and fruits that already peeled or skinned. You should also avoid shared foods such as buffets.
You should also exercise when you travel. For instance, you can take walks in the evening and visit the local gym when you are free. Your body is better placed to fight infection when you exercise often. Although it is not a foolproof method of staying healthy, it does boost your chances of avoiding infection.
Additionally, you need to ensure that you stay active and fit before you begin your vacation. It will help your body to be in a better position to fight infection. You can do anything you like as long as it causes you to be a bit out of breath.
Vaccination is also an effective way for you to avoid being infected on your vacation. You do not have to go for all possible vaccinations on your trip. The vaccinations will depend on the country or region to which you travel. Besides that, your personal medical history will also determine the kinds of vaccinations you receive.
You must also watch out for your fellow travelers. Just one person with flu can infect everyone else. If you suspect that someone on your trip is infected with the flu, request to be moved to another seat. If you notice anyone with the flu, try to keep as much distance from them as possible. If possible travel with a facemask.
You should also ensure that you carry all your medication. Do not leave any of your prescription medication at home. When you travel, buying your medication abroad can be quite challenging. The reason is that the language barrier makes it hard for people to know what you need.
Another way to avoid getting infected is to avoid polluted water bodies. Although it may be a lot of fun to go swimming in a river, you could expose yourself to some dangerous bugs. Keep your swimming to designated areas and your hotel’s swimming pool. Even in designated areas, there are certain indicators such as watercolor that tell you to keep off the water.
Summary
If you are going on a trip to any destination, it is important to do a bit of research. It will help you learn about the most prevalent health risks you will face. As a result, you are able to take extra measures to stay safe. You would be surprised by how helpful a bit of research can turn out to be.