Sick on Vacation: Prevention and Caretaking
There’s nothing worse than getting sick when you’re away from home. Not only do you have to deal with the discomfort and inconvenience of being sick, but you also have to figure out how to get medical care in a foreign city or country. However, there are some things you can do to prepare for the possibility of illness and minimize the chances of getting sick in the first place. Today, we are going to share some tips on how to stay healthy while traveling.
Pre-Vacation Preparations
The best way to deal with getting sick while traveling is to prevent it from happening in the first place. There are a few things you can do before you even leave on your trip to help reduce your risk of getting sick. First, make sure you’re up-to-date on all your vaccinations. Depending on where you’re traveling, there may be certain vaccines that are recommended or required. For example, if you’re going to Africa, it’s a good idea to get vaccinated against yellow fever.
If you frequent a particular destination, one way to help yourself is to invest in a vacation home. This allows you to set up a place with your normal medications and other creature comforts, and it’s an opportunity to establish yourself with local healthcare facilities. When looking for a vacation home to buy, first decide how much you can afford, then determine what amenities are suited for your lifestyle.
Visit your doctor for a general checkup before you go. This is a good time to ask about any specific health concerns you may have related to your upcoming trip. Your doctor may also be able to prescribe medications that can help prevent illnesses, such as malaria prophylaxis, if you’re going to an area where malaria is common. Finally, make sure you have travel insurance that will cover you in case you need medical care while you’re away.
Medical Records on the Go
Having your medical records with you when you travel is a good idea, both for your own reference and in case you need to see a doctor while you’re away. However, storing all of this information can be cumbersome, especially if you’re carrying it around in paper form. A better solution is to digitize your medical information and store it on a PDF file that can be accessed on your smartphone or tablet. You can compress a PDF with this tool – and best of all, this tool is free to use! Simply drag and drop a PDF file into the interface to reduce the file size.
It’s also important to make sure that your medical information is backed up in case something happens to your device.You may also want to consider sharing a copy of your medical records with a trusted friend or family member in case you need help getting access to them while you’re away from home.
Packing Smart
In addition to packing your clothes and toiletries, Uniprix notes that there are a few other things you should pack that can help keep you healthy while traveling. First, pack any medications that you take on a regular basis, as well as any over-the-counter medications that you might need, such as pain relievers, cold medicine, and diarrhea medication. It’s also a good idea to pack a first-aid kit with bandages, antiseptic wipes, and other items that can come in handy if you get hurt while on your trip. Finally, don’t forget to pack insect repellent if you’re going to an area where mosquitoes are common. This can help prevent diseases like Zika and dengue fever.
Staying Well While Traveling
There are also some things you can do while traveling to help prevent illness. First and foremost, practice good hygiene by washing your hands frequently and avoiding contact with people who are sick. It’s also important to eat healthy foods and drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated. Avoiding street food and unpurified water will help reduce your risk of getting food poisoning. Finally, try to get enough sleep so your body can rest and recover from all the new activities and experiences you’re having while on vacation.
It Actually Happened: What to Do If You Do Get Sick
If you do end up getting sick while traveling, there are a few things you can do to make yourself more comfortable. First, try to rest as much as possible so your body can focus on fighting the illness. Second, drink plenty of fluids – water is always a good choice, but ginger ale or clear soup can also help settle your stomach if you’re suffering from nausea or vomiting. Third, if possible, Zocdoc suggests consulting with a local doctor or pharmacist about what over-the-counter medications might be helpful for your symptoms. And finally, don’t forget to call your travel insurance provider so they can help direct you to the nearest medical facility if necessary.
While no one likes getting sick while traveling abroad, there are some steps you can take both before and during your trip to minimize your risk of illness. From getting vaccinated and visiting your doctor before you go, to packing a first-aid kit and insect repellent, to practicing good hygiene while on vacation, there are many things you can do to better protect yourself from sickness while traveling.
If, despite all of your precautions, you still end up getting ill, there are several steps you can take to put yourself at ease and get the treatment you need. By following these tips, you can help ensure that your sickness is only a minor setback during what should be a fun and enjoyable vacation.
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