How to Avoid Getting Sick on Holiday
Holidays are to be enjoyed. The last thing you need on a holiday is to find that you’re sick and need to be on bedrest for a few days. It isn’t nice to feel sick and you don’t want to waste time inside that you could be spending outside exploring. When you travel to another country, there are always dangers of becoming sick. Luckily, there are precautions you can take so you avoid becoming sick while you’re away. Here are some tips on what to do to stay healthy on holiday.
Always Wash Your Hands
You may not wash your hands as thoroughly when you’re at home, but your body is used to the bacteria that frequents your house or your workplace. There are different kinds of bacteria when you travel, so it’s important to keep your hands clean. You could lose count if you tried to keep track of the amount of times your hands touch your face in a day. We do it without thinking about it. Take a mini soap that you’re used to using with you in your suitcase and use it regularly while you’re away to ensure you’re protected from everyday bacteria.
Drink Bottled Water
The majority of the time, the water that comes from the taps at your hotel will be purified enough to drink, but it’s better to be safe than sorry. This is especially important if you’re stomach reacts to unusual things quickly. If you’re travelling to places where you know the conditions are likely to be unsanitary, bottled water is a must. Use it as a drink, as well as water for tea and to brush your teeth on a daily basis. When you use the shower or bath, avoid letting water get in your mouth. If you do consume un-purified water, you could end up with a bout of sickness and diarrhoea.
Know What You’re Eating
You don’t always have the option of watching your food being prepared. You need to be cautious about the foods you eat while you’re on holiday. A fresh salad may sound like a healthy option but you can never be sure if it’s been washed clean or if the water used to wash it is safe for you. As at home, never eat any uncooked meats and make sure that your food is served to you piping hot. Don’t eat food that you know has been sitting in the sun for a long time. All food must be stored out of the sun and in the right temperature.
Cover Yourself
If you’re in a hot country, high temperatures can be dangerous for your health. Stay out of midday heat to avoid getting burnt or contracting sun stroke. Always wear a good sun cream to protect your skin and always carry a hat and sunglasses when you need them. Keep water with you to avoid dehydration. If you’re planning on taking a trip into the desert, make sure you’re covered up and you can keep cool. If you’re worried about your health after being to the desert, take a look at valley fever symptoms. It is possible to pick up diseases by breathing in sand, so it’s important to keep your mouth covered.
Stick to the Things You Know
It’s okay to go to a Pizza restaurant while you’re away, or pop to the local store to pick up some of your favourite snacks. Yes, travelling is about experiencing different cultures and meeting different people, but you can’t do that if you’re unwell. Don’t be dared into trying something you think may make you ill. Sometimes, staying in your comfort zone when it comes to foods, toiletries and drinks is the best option for you.
Explore
Don’t just sit on the beach all day, every day while you’re away. Your body needs to move around every now and then to keep you fit and healthy. Explore the local surroundings, go for a long walk, get into some water sports. You’ll find that there are lots of activities to try when you’re in a new place. If you’re just sat around, thinking about how to avoid being sick, it’s more likely you will get sick. Take your mind off it by distracting yourself with exciting adventures.
Get Vaccinated
There may be certain necessary vaccinations you need to have a few weeks before travelling, depending on where you’re travelling to. These are for your protection. You can find out more about the type of vaccinations you may need here. If vaccinations are recommended it’s because particular diseases are in high circulation in the country you’re travelling to. You still need to be vigilant, but getting vaccinated means you’re far less likely to come home having contracted anything dangerous.
Mosquitoes
These pesky insects are in many countries and they love fresh, clean skin. Mosquito bites are common while you’re travelling, but it’s important to protect yourself because some mosquitoes can carry disease. Sleep with a permethrin covered net around you so you don’t have to worry about them while you’re resting. Spray yourself with a strong repellent before you go outside to keep them at bay. Mosquitoes love the heat so having an air-conditioned room will help the fight against them. If you have been bitten and you’re feeling unwell, visit a doctor while abroad or on your return home.
Book an Appointment with a Nurse
Unfortunately, many people leave it too late to get travel advice. By booking an appointment with a doctor or nurse a few weeks before you travel you can talk about any concerns you may have. This may include dealing with travel sickness on long flights, taking anti-malarial drugs and discussing their side effects and if you should take relief for diarrhoea, should it occur. A medical professional can be of real help if you’re concerned about staying healthy while you’re travelling. Make the most of their knowledge before your trip and it will be easier to know what to do in the event of sickness.
