Essential Tips For Staying Healthy While Traveling

Nobody plans to get ill while on vacation, but it can happen. Just when you should be enjoying yourself, you could come down with an infection, suffer from sunburn, be confined to your bed with an upset stomach or end up in hospital following an accident. To help you stay as healthy as possible when you're traveling, we have prepared a set of tips to know before you go.

Be COVID Safe

While vaccinations promise to bring an end to the pandemic, it will be some time before the world is back to normal. Therefore, follow the COVID-19 safety measures that we've all become accustomed to, such as wearing a mask when social distancing isn't possible, regular hand washing, limiting contact with frequently touched surfaces, avoiding touching your eyes, nose and mouth and avoiding contact with anyone who is sick. Before you travel, check your destination's rules and restrictions, which may include taking a PCR test and being subject to quarantine for up to two weeks.

Book a Medical Checkup

Make sure you are healthy before you travel. A medical checkup will discover any underlying condition that could affect you while you're away from home.

Do Your Research

When traveling to any foreign destination, look for country-specific health advice. Depending on

where you're going, you may need vaccinations or have to take medications with you, especially if there are contagious diseases transmitted through mosquitoes, water or unsanitary conditions. Some vaccinations require multiple injections, so leave enough time before your trip for them to be done and for immunity to kick in.

Pack a Complete Travel Health Kit

A health kit is important no matter where you travel. First Aid or other supplies may not be readily available in other countries. A good travel health kit should include the following:

• Basic First Aid items (adhesive bandages, adhesive tape, blister pads, gauze, scissors, alcohol-based hand sanitizer, wound cleanser, thermometer and tweezers).

• Sunscreen

• Insect repellant

• Water purification tablets (in case bottled water is not available at your destination)

• Over-the-counter medications such as diarrhea medicine, antihistamines, pain and fever medication,

• Insect bite anti-itch gel or cream

If you regularly take prescription medications, pack enough for the whole trip and at least a couple of weeks extra just in case. Check with embassies or consulates that your prescription medications are permitted in the countries you'll be visiting.

Try To Reduce the Risk of Accidents

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), travelers are more likely to be killed through accidents than infectious diseases. Road traffic accidents are the most common cause of accidental death among people on vacation. Risk factors include driving on unfamiliar roads, driving while tired or under the influence of alcohol and driving poorly maintained vehicles.

To help stay safe, always wear a seatbelt, only ride in marked and registered taxis, gather information on road rules and traffic regulations in destination countries, avoid driving after taking alcohol and check the condition of lights, breaks, tires and seatbelts before driving a hire vehicle.

Watch What You Eat

While visiting a foreign country, you could be exposed to organisms that cause stomach upset and travelers' diarrhea. To avoid this common travel-related illness, practice good food, water and hand hygiene.

• Only eat foods that are cooked and served hot

• Only eat raw fruit and vegetables if they have been thoroughly washed with bottled water

• Drink bottled water and other drinks from factory-sealed containers

• Avoid food that's been sitting on a buffet table for a long time

• Avoid ice because it could be made from unclean water

• Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water

Keep Hydrated

Dehydration can cause fatigue, headaches, constipation and other health issues. Therefore, it's a good idea to keep a bottle of water with you at all times.

Practice Safe Sex

Sexually transmitted diseases are endemic in many countries, particularly in Africa and Southeast Asia. Practice safe sex and bring contraceptives with you.

Take Out Travel Insurance

Comprehensive travel that covers accidents, emergency medical treatment, medical evacuation and repatriation is essential. Always carry proof of insurance with you.

When You're Back Home

If you feel unwell upon your return, be sure to visit your doctor immediately and tell them about your recent travel.

Safe Travels!

By taking a few proactive steps and precautions, you will improve your chances of enjoying your vacation to the fullest. And while these general health tips are helpful, they are not a replacement for a pre-travel consultation with your doctor.