After returning home from a trip, tourists usually carry back neat keepsakes, precious recollections, and an expanded view of the globe. However, occasionally they might also arrive with a nasty cold, stomach troubles, or various health concerns.
It’s
common to get sick
When traveling, regardless of whether you develop symptoms during your journey or only feel unwell upon returning home, this unpleasant result isn’t necessarily unavoidable.
“You should consider that traveling could boost your chances of falling ill, and neither do we want anyone to catch an illness during their trip,” he said.
Dr. Henry M. Wu
An associate professor at Emory University School of Medicine and the director of the Emory TravelWell Center stated, “Taking additional precautions beyond our usual routine makes sense.”
Here, Wu and other physicians offer their insights into what steps they consistently take while traveling to stay healthy and illness-free.
1. Wearing Masks at the Airport And Onboard the Aircraft
“Even though COVID isn’t as significant a concern now, I continue to wear a mask during flights and at airports because I’m exposed to the same recycled air when in close proximity to others,” he stated.
Dr. Barbara Bawer
, a family medicine doctor at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center. “Based on your destination, it’s crucial to wear a mask in crowded areas as well.”
She suggested packing at least a couple of masks in case one gets soiled or ruined. High-quality masks like N95s are your best bet for reducing germ transmission in crowded indoor situations.
“I still regret the night I spent on an overnight train in
France
“Facing a pair who were constantly coughing and sneezing throughout the journey, only to come down with a terrible cold a day later and end up missing the elaborate 48-hour French countryside wedding celebration that I had traveled such a long way to be part of,” he mentioned.
Dr. Sarah Battistich
, an emergency medicine specialist at NYU Langone Health’s Virtual Urgent Care program. “Currently, I regularly wear a mask during travel, regardless of whether there are visibly sick individuals nearby.”
Facial coverings can provide protection through various mechanisms.
“The mask will keep you from touching your nose and mouth with your hands,” said
Dr. Heather Viola
, a primary care physician at Mount Sinai Doctors-Ansonia.
2. Frequently Washing And Sanitizing Hands
“First and foremost, I constantly wash my hands, always carrying with me hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol to prevent the spread of germs,” Viola said. “Many airlines are giving out alcohol-based disinfectant wipes when you board. I use these to clean my seat, headrest, armrests, tray table, and entertainment screen — basically, anything you may touch while sitting in your seat.”
Bringing your own alcohol-based sanitizing wipes might come in handy as well.
I’m clearly an advocate of handwashing,” Battistich stated. “However, I also emphasize minimizing contact with communal areas to reduce exposure to germs and pathogens. With my child, we turn it into a challenge where she tries not to touch anything in public restrooms, such as doorknobs and toilet seats.
3. Staying Hydrated
“If you’re going on a lengthy flight, make sure to begin with proper hydration and refrain from drinking alcohol during the trip,” Battistich advised.
Maintaining a healthy water intake was a priority for all the doctors who spoke to HuffPost.
I always carry electrolyte packets — ones that dissolve in water — whether I’m drinking plain water or vitamin-infused water,” Viola explained. “It’s an effective method to stay well-hydrated beyond just regular water and can also help avoid motion sickness during flights ordehydration.
4. Consuming Supplements for Immunity Enhancement
Viola is also a fan of nasal mists and vitamin C tablets prior to boarding.
“The plane cabin is dry, and microorganisms are free to circulate in the air, so before I go on a plane, I take a few vitamin C tablets to boost my immune system and help give my body the ability to fight off airborne germs,” she said. “Nasal saline spray or nasal mists can also help fight germs as they keep your nasal passages moist, which enhances your body’s own germ-flushing activity. You can even apply a small amount of Neosporin or petroleum jelly just inside the nostrils — using a Q-tip if your hands aren’t washed — to create a barrier between you and the airborne germs.”
5. Steer Clear of Rush Hours
If feasible, attempt to journey during off-peak hours, typically occurring midsession weekdays and around late morning or afternoon, rather than super early or twilight,” advised Bawer. “That being said, this could vary depending on your locale, so make sure to conduct prior investigation.
Steering clear of large groups and the accompanying stress can help reduce your chances of coming into contact with germs. Additionally, scheduling travel during midday often means you can enjoy a complete night’s rest either before or after your flight.
6. Prioritizing Rest
Ensure you get sufficient rest prior to your trip and, whenever possible, attempt to catch some sleep during travel when suitable,” advised Bawer. “Upon coming back home, allow yourself enough time to readjust to your regular routine and surroundings. Avoid landing late at night—around 11 p.m. or midnight—and immediately heading into a busy workday the following morning. Instead, provide yourself with several hours—or ideally, a full day—to recuperate, take care of tasks like doing laundry or groceries, and make sure to get ample rest.
Tiredness can weaken your immune system, reduce your stamina, and adversely affect your mental state.
“I’m a big fan of those flat packable travel pillows which support your neck, and I’ve found bringing ear plugs and an eye mask or scarf to keep out the lights is super helpful for getting that extra bit of rest — like that hour at the end of a night flight where you still want to sleep but the flight crew turns the bright overheads on,” Battistich said.
7. Not Overscheduling
Just as you should prioritize rest to help your immune system, you should also try to reduce stress where possible.
“Don’t overschedule your trip to allow time to enjoy yourself and give some flexibility in the itinerary,” Bawer advised. “Stress can induce sickness, especially in a new environment.”
8. Consuming a Nutritious Balanced Meal
Bawer suggested maintaining a nutritious diet before your journey to prepare both your body and immune system for potential challenges. Continue this approach even on the day you travel,” he advised. “Many individuals tend to have less healthy eating habits during vacations; however, make an effort to include fruits and veggies in every meal so that your immunity stays robust.
She always packs healthy snacks and a refillable water bottle to ensure she gets the nutrients she needs during her travels.
Bawer pointed out, “Frequently, we find ourselves without enough time to eat, particularly when flights are delayed or arrive tardily. As a result, we often miss meals entirely or settle for fast food options, none of which tend to be nutritious.”
9. Investigating Travel Vaccinations and Medications
“I make sure I am up-to-date on vaccines before travel,” Wu said. “Flu and COVID-19 are so common among travelers, and even a mild case can ruin a trip. Also, for international travel, there are additional vaccines that might be recommended or required, or even malaria prophylaxis for some areas. I suggest travelers check the CDC [Centers for Disease Control Prevention] travel website or see a travel medicine specialist for advice.”
Besides obtaining the required travel vaccinations prior to your trip, you might also consider acquiring specific medications beforehand.
Think about obtaining a prescription for anti-diarrheal medication before traveling to countries where travelers’ diarrhea could be a problem,” Bawer suggested. “When visiting another nation, refrain from consuming their tap water – this encompasses items rinsed with local water such as salads and fruits. Opt instead for dishes that come in shells and require no cleaning, along with sticking to bottled beverages. Additionally, utilize these bottles for brushing your teeth. Doing so might prevent you from contracting travelers’ diarrhea.
Bringing an over-the-counter medication such as Imodium for diarrhea can be quite beneficial, particularly during international travel.
“If I’m unsure about specific dishes, I tend to choose thoroughly cooked items that come served piping hot, steering clear of anything raw or underdone,” Viola mentioned.
10. Maintaining Sun Safety
“Bewarn sunscreen every day,” Bawer advised.
No matter if you’re at home or on vacation, make sure to apply (and frequently reapply) a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 daily. It’s crucial to maintain this sun protection routine particularly when you expect to be outdoors extensively during your trips.
Sunburn and heat-related ailments are among the easiest issues to avoid ruining your holiday,” Battistich stated. “Make sure not to skip out on sunscreen, opt for long-sleeve shirts — linen works wonderfully in warm conditions — and wear hats. The larger and more foldable the hat, the better.
11. Buying Insect Repellent
If I’m heading for an outdoor adventure or traveling to tropical regions, I always bring insect repellent,” Wu stated. “Mosquitoes, ticks, and other pesky insects have the potential to spread numerous diseases.
Make sure your sunscreen meets the required standards.
local regulations
and review the CDC’s guidelines for approved effective products.
“It’s not always simple to locate these items spontaneously, so planning ahead of time will prevent me from being unprepared,” Wu stated additionally.
12. Packing Medication
“I also pack non-prescription medicines that I’ll keep handy just in case I begin feeling sick,” Viola mentioned.
She includes acetaminophen for pain or fevers, ibuprofen for discomforts, an antihistamine such as Benadryl, and Pepto-Bismol for potential tummy troubles.
“My physician’s travel kit contained preventive measures along with emergency medication,” Battistif explained, enumerating similar drugs alongside anti-nausea treatments such as SeaBands, ginger packets, and aromatherapy sticks.
“She mentioned that there is proof suggesting that consuming Pepto-Bismol tablets prior to and throughout your trip may decrease the likelihood of developing travelers’ diarrhea,” he stated. “Additionally, I always pack fundamental first-aid supplies including Band-Aids, antibiotic ointment, and if traveling to a warm and moist environment or engaging in hiking and trekking activities, I usually include an antifungal cream as well.”
This blog entry was initially published on
HuffPost
.
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