Summer Travel Health Ideas from a Nurse

Summer is peak journey season, with thousands and thousands of individuals heading to seashores, nationwide parks, worldwide locations, and household holidays. While planning typically focuses on flights, lodges, and itineraries, getting ready in your well being whereas away from house is simply as essential.

According to Karen Lasater, medical professor on the University of Tennessee, Knoxville College of Nursing, a bit of planning earlier than departure may also help vacationers keep away from most of the most typical well being points they encounter on trip.

“Good hand hygiene is number one at preventing the spread of viruses and bacteria,” Lasater stated. “Simple preparation before you leave home can make a big difference in helping you stay healthy throughout your trip.”

Common Travel Health Problems

Whether touring throughout the nation or all over the world, gastrointestinal diseases are among the many most typical well being issues.

“When traveling internationally, a lot of people experience gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea, diarrhea, and constipation,” Lasater stated. “These can be caused by different foods, the environment, stress, air travel, or sometimes by viruses or bacteria.”

Travelers can also expertise higher respiratory infections after spending time in crowded airports, airplanes, or vacationer sights.

“Being around new people who may already be sick can increase your exposure to viruses and bacteria,” she stated. “Environmental allergies can also worsen when you’re exposed to different allergens than you’re used to at home.”

Prevention Starts Before You Leave

Lasater recommends taking preventive steps earlier than the journey begins.

“Washing your hands is number one,” she stated. “Good hand hygiene is the best way to prevent the spread of viruses and bacteria.”

For worldwide journey, meals and water security have grow to be particularly essential.

“When in doubt about a water source, always drink bottled water, even when brushing your teeth,” Lasater stated. “Choose well-cooked foods and avoid raw fruits and vegetables if you’re unsure how they’ve been prepared.”

Don’t Forget Your Medications

One of the most important errors vacationers make is just not packing sufficient treatment.

“If you have prescription medications or over-the-counter medications you take regularly, make sure you bring enough for your entire trip and an additional three to five days,” Lasater stated. “Travel delays happen, and you don’t want to find yourself without the medications you need.”

She additionally encourages vacationers with continual medical situations to talk with their major care supplier earlier than leaving.

“If you have chronic health conditions, it’s important to get medical clearance before traveling and discuss any concerns related to your destination.”

If medicines are misplaced or run out whereas touring, Lasater recommends contacting your healthcare supplier to have prescriptions transferred to a close-by pharmacy.

“Chain pharmacies such as Walgreens can often transfer prescriptions quickly and make replacing medications much easier,” she stated.

Build a Travel First-Aid Kit

A small first-aid package can stop minor issues from changing into main inconveniences.

Lasater recommends together with:

• Hand sanitizer
• Adhesive bandages
• Allergy treatment
• Over-the-counter ache relievers
• Pepto-Bismol tablets
• Blister prevention merchandise

“I always carry Pepto-Bismol tablets and blister block with me,” she stated. “Those are two things that, when you need them—you really need them.”

Families touring with kids must also pack pediatric medicines, snacks, and child-friendly hand sanitizer.

Customize Your Supplies for Your Destination

Not each journey requires the identical preparation.

“If you’re traveling internationally, check with your healthcare provider and review the CDC’s country-specific travel recommendations before you leave,” Lasater stated.

Different locations could require further precautions, together with really useful vaccinations, mosquito safety, water remedy provides, or insect repellents.

“Outdoor activities like hiking and camping may require specific bug repellents, mosquito netting, or additional precautions related to water safety,” she stated.

Practice Safe Food and Water Habits

Foodborne sickness can rapidly derail a trip, however many circumstances are preventable.

“When in doubt about the water source, drink bottled water,” Lasater stated. “That includes ice, since it may be made from untreated water.”

She additionally recommends avoiding raw produce in areas the place water security is unsure.

“Choose well-cooked foods and skip raw vegetables or fruit that may have been washed in unsafe water, even something as simple as lettuce on a hamburger.”

When uncertain about native water high quality, Lasater depends on trusted assets.

“I check the CDC’s country-specific travel website for warnings, and I ask hotels or restaurants whether their water is potable or purified,” she stated. “When in doubt, I drink bottled water.”

Don’t Overlook Summer Safety

Travel well being goes past meals and medicines.

“Use sunscreen, hats, and protective clothing to prevent sunburn,” Lasater stated. “Wear helmets when riding bicycles, scooters, or motorcycles, and always wear a life jacket when you’re on a boat.”

She additionally recommends reviewing medicines with a pharmacist earlier than touring, as some prescriptions can improve the chance of dehydration, solar sensitivity, or heat-related sickness.

“There are several medications that can affect how your body responds to heat or sun exposure,” she stated. “Your pharmacist can review your medications and let you know if you need to take extra precautions.”

Leave Time to Rest

One of Lasater’s most sensible items of recommendation has nothing to do with drugs.

“Don’t plan too much,” she stated. “Different time zones, different cultures, different foods can all be stressful.”

Building downtime into an itinerary may also help vacationers get better from lengthy journey days, alter to new environments, and keep away from exhaustion.

“Allow yourself the freedom to relax, get a good night’s sleep, and enjoy the experience,” Lasater stated. “Taking care of yourself is one of the best ways to make sure you enjoy your vacation.”