We don’t all get a lot of vacation days to take from work, so there is no wonder that so many of us try to do as much as possible in the limited time off that we get. Unfortunately, though, travel plans don’t always go to plan. Do you know what the most common complaint of people traveling is? That they fall ill. Falling sick while you are traveling abroad can be more than an inconvenience, though. It can be quite scary when you are in a different country that doesn’t speak your language, and you find it difficult to get the medical care and attention that you need.
But perhaps there is something about the way you are traveling that has brought on this sudden illness? When we are away from home, our healthy habits tend to slip, and this can result in our immune systems being slightly weaker than normal. Here are some of the common reasons why people end up will abroad, and what you can do to prevent them.
Drinking The Tap Water In Unsafe Areas
The major reason why people end up poorly while they are abroad is that they drink
the tap water in areas where they should be sticking to bottled water. If you are traveling in Africa, South-East Asia and parts of Central and South America, it’s is generally advised that you should stick to bottled water. This is because there are regions that have poor sanitation and the tap water could be dirty. It may also be necessary to drink bottled water in some developed countries, even in parts of Europe. This is just because the tap water there has different mineral levels that your stomach might not be used to.
Sitting For Long Periods On Long-Haul Flights
Sometimes, it might be impossible to escape taking a long-haul flight. As you might already know, there are a few minor health risks that you might need to watch out for, but the biggest problem anyone faces on a very long flight is deep vein thrombosis (DVT). The best way to prevent DVT is to get up as much as you can to walk around the cabin. Doing some basic exercises while seated will also help the blood flow. This could also prevent the development of varicose veins in your legs as well. Many people who have taken lots of long-haul flights throughout their lives often find that they get referred for
varicose vein treatments by their doctor. As well as making sure you don’t remain too sedentary in the air, you should also drink plenty to ensure you don’t end up dehydrated.
Your Diet Is Radically Different
It’s important to try to stick to the kinds of things you would usually eat at home, even if you are in a country that has a completely different cuisine to your country.For instance, one of the main problems for travelers is
that their diet while abroad features a lot of spicy food. If you aren’t used to high levels of spice, then this could quickly cause an upset stomach. Similarly, if you have a diet that is high in fruit and vegetables at home, switching to one that is predominantly made up of meat will also give you some tummy troubles.
Missing Lots Of Sleep
There is no doubt that you will need a lot of energy when you are traveling. And that means you will need to stick to a
good sleep pattern or else you face being wiped out throughout the day. Not only will hardly any sleep leave you feeling drained, though, but it could also lead to other health implications as well. When you don’t sleep as much as you should be, it can quickly weaken the immune system. So, you could be putting yourself at risk of contracting colds, flus, and other infections.
Forgetting To Use Sun Protection
If you are traveling to a region or country that benefits from excellent weather, you will need to remember to pack plenty of sun protection. It is essential that
you apply sunblock to your exposed skin everyday so that you don’t end up sunburnt. This can lead to premature aging of the skin, but it also causes more serious issues, including skin cancer. As well as protecting your skin, it is important that you wear a hat, keep your neck covered, and drink plenty of water. If you don’t, then you could get very ill with sunstroke. In very extreme cases, sunstroke will require you to spend some time in hospital to fully recover.
Not Using Hand Sanitizers In Airports
Did you know that airports and train stations are breeding grounds for bacteria and germs? It’s true! These are places that are filled with hundreds, if not thousands, of people who are coming and going from a lot of different places on the planet. As a result, there will be a big mix of different germs and bacteria. As most stations and airports are very busy, the germs and bacteria will find it very easy to pass from person to person. The best thing you can do to make sure that you never pick up any nasty germs is to always use the hand sanitizers that are often dotted around most airports and train stations.
Not Getting Your Travel Vaccinations
There will be some times when you will need to get vaccinated for certain diseases before you travel to a country. In some cases, you will need to show proof of the vaccinations to gain entrance into the country. If this is the case, your doctor will be able to give you a vaccination certificate when you get them done. For example, if you travel to South-East Asia, you will need to be vaccinated against typhoid, hepatitis A, yellow fever, and tetanus amongst a few others. If you aren’t sure whether you do need a travel vaccination, it’s always advisable to speak to your doctor about it.
Here's hoping you stay healthy in your travels!
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