We’ve all heard travel horror stories. Travelers return from Mexico or the jungle with Montezuma’s revenge or malaria. Cruise passengers complain of having shared a viral epidemic with their fellow travelers. You shouldn’t limit or change your travel plans because you fear an illness. There are several steps you can take before your next trip to ensure you remain healthy enough to enjoy your entire adventure.
- The CDC (Centers for Disease Control) regularly posts information regarding dangers in certain countries. Check with the CDC to make sure the area you plan to visit is safe.
- Make sure your vaccines are up to date. If not, plan to have them finished well before your departure date. Some vaccines have mild side effects and you’ll want to make sure you have time to recover if you do have a reaction.
- Take an inventory of the prescription medications you will be traveling with, especially if you are leaving the country. Ask your doctor for a note explaining what each medication is and why you are taking it. This will make traveling through customs a more enjoyable experience if your medications are questioned.
- Have a physical and get in shape before leaving on your trip. Start exercising
months in advance, especially if your trip is going to involve a considerable amount of physical activity. - Be completely honest about your family and personal medical history when speaking to your doctor about your trip. The information you provide could make a huge difference in the recommendations he or she makes. For example, certain anti-depressants do not react well with anti-malaria medications.
- Make sure you’ve had your regular dental checkup before leaving on vacation. There is nothing worse than being in a strange country and suddenly needing a cavity filled or finding your dental appliances are in need of repair.
- Don’t laugh when your travel agent offers you travel insurance. Many health insurance policies will not cover you outside of your own country. Travel insurance will help you get the medical care you need in the event of an emergency.
- Pack a small first aid kit. Bandages and anti-bacterial ointments are standard items to include, but you will also want to include extra anti-histamines or cold medications in case you have an allergic reaction or catch a virus.
- Take plenty of sunscreen with you. The sun will be wherever you go, but the type or strength of sunscreen you want or need may not be.
Being prepared will allow you to adjust to any situation you encounter in your travels. Remember to relax and enjoy your journey!
Make sure your vaccines are up to date- this is big one especially if you are travelling to third world. “get in shape ” now thats a tough one!!!
These are good points to remember. Also don’t forget to wear bands if you have allergies, diabetes or heart problems & carry emergency drugs for this. Strangers will be alerted on what to do first if you have these bands readable for them.
Yes indeed! You must be very careful when traveling outside of your native country as you are not automatically protected against viruses or diseases on foreign soil. Each country has their own viruses that are not studied near as extensively as the ones in your own – A word to the wise, do your homework before traveling!