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Health advice while traveling

03/11/2017 by Ann Oslo

Traveling is an exciting way to get out and experience something new, however, before you pack your bags, you should be prepared for some of the health issues that may arise during your travels.

Learn about regional health problems where you plan to go, how to prevent illness, and what to do if you get sick. Check out the following for ideas on how you can stay healthy while traveling.

Standard medications to bring

You always hope that your trip will go according to plan and that you will experience no unexpected health issues. Unfortunately, between unfamiliar foods and contact with many other travelers, it can be difficult to avoid getting sick. That is why it is necessary to be prepared by packing medicines for diarrhea, acid reflux, pain, allergies, colds, injuries, and motion sickness. Don’t forget sunscreen, insect repellant, hand wipes, a thermometer, and grooming and toiletry items.

Tummy troubles

Nearly one in four travelers get sick with gastrointestinal illnesses when visiting the less developed countries of the world. Avoid this travel pitfall by skipping risky street food and only using bottled water for drinking and cleaning your teeth. Ensure that the food is well-cooked and avoid salads that will have been washed in the local water.

Stock up

If you take medications regularly, make sure that you have enough to last until you return. That is especially important for essential medications like blood pressure medications and epinephrine for severe allergies. You should visit your doctor to have your prescriptions renewed and filled before going on vacation, and keep prescription medications in the original bottles, so the contents are labeled for security officers to check quickly.

Travel wellness on the go

Agencies like the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention provide several travel mobile apps. You can use these to get vaccine suggestions, food risk advice, travel preparation checklist, and health-related packing list based on your destination.

The U.S. Passports & International Travel department provides travel warnings, information on getting help abroad with medical emergencies, and more.

Relationships while traveling

It is not unusual to form a casual sexual relationship when on vacation, but such a liaison must be dealt with responsibly. Protective measures should be taken by both sexes to avoid contracting a sexually transmitted disease (STD). San Francisco is a top tourist destination and has been rated one of the most romantic cities. So, if you are traveling in and around San Francisco, or indeed anywhere else you visit on vacation, remember to take measures to protect yourself from infection; if necessary STD testing San Francisco is available.

Region-specific illnesses

Prepare for illnesses that are common at your destination by getting vaccinated. Visit a doctor or pre-travel clinic at least six weeks before you travel.

A study found that your pre-travel clinic might not give you the vaccinations that you need for serious illnesses like measles before your upcoming trip. That means you should research what you require, and speak up and ask questions if you have any doubts. Ask if they offer the vaccines you need before booking your appointment.

Traveling in the U.S.

The U.S. has much to offer from coast to coast. When traveling in the U.S. there are a few typical illnesses to look out for, like food-borne illness, seasonal colds, flu, and stomach viruses. Most of these can be prevented with frequent hand-washing and by avoiding close contact with obviously sick people. If traveling to Mexico and South America remember to use insect repellant because mosquitos can carry the Zika virus.

Trips to Asia

Asia has modern countries with exciting, bustling cities. While there might not be any required vaccination other than routine vaccines for the Asian country where you plan to travel, know that Avian Flu and SARS are unlikely but lingering concerns. The CDC recommends vaccinations based on travel location and risk.

Visiting Africa

Africa hosts some of the most spectacular wildlife and experiences. When traveling to Africa, it is important to learn if the country you plan to visit has a current outbreak of an illness like Yellow Fever so you can get the most up to date vaccines.

Medical insurance

If you get sick while traveling, then you might need medical attention. Check with your insurance company to see if they have covered in-network doctors and facilities where you are going.

Check for the following in-network coverage:

  • Primary care physicians for general medical help.
  • Specialists for chronic conditions that may flare up.
  • Urgent care facilities for appointment-free medical assistance, which is useful for acute issues when traveling.
  • Hospitals and emergency rooms for severe incidents. Know that urgent care doctors might send you to a hospital, so it is good to be prepared with names of in-network locations.

Know that U.S. insurance typically does not cover facilities out of the country. If you are traveling internationally, then you might need to purchase separate traveler’s insurance for your trip.

No matter where you travel if you take the right precautions, then you should have a safe and enjoyable trip. Learn about what you are likely to encounter and be prepared. Hopefully, by following these tips, you can be worry free and ready to relax on your trip.

Filed Under: Health, Travel Tips Tagged With: backpacking, gap year, health, health advice, Travel, travelling

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