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How Can You Protect Yourself from Travel-Related Illnesses While Abroad?

Traveling can be an amazing adventure! But it can also bring some health risks. The World Health Organization (WHO) says about 10% of travelers around the world may get sick while away from home. Stomach issues are one of the most common problems. Here are some important tips to help you stay healthy while traveling:

1. Get Vaccinated and Prepare Medications:

  • Before You Go: Make sure you have all of your standard vaccinations done. You might need extra shots based on where you’re going. For example:

    • It's a good idea to get vaccinated for Hepatitis A and Typhoid if you are visiting developing countries where food and water might not be safe.
    • Some places, especially in Africa and South America, require a Yellow Fever shot to enter.

  • Travel Medications: Think about taking some medicine with you, like anti-diarrheal drugs. Antibiotics such as ciprofloxacin or azithromycin can also be helpful for treating infections.

2. Stay Safe with Food and Water:

  • Choose Safe Foods: Every year, about 600 million people get sick from bad food. To stay safe:

    • Eat cooked food that is served hot.
    • Drink bottled or boiled water. Avoid ice unless you’re sure it’s made from clean water.

  • Wash Your Hands: Always wash your hands with soap and water before you eat. If soap isn’t around, use hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.

3. Protect Yourself from Insects:

  • Avoid Mosquito Bites: Mosquitoes can spread illnesses like malaria and dengue fever. The WHO found that there were more than 229 million cases of malaria in 2019. Here’s how to keep them away:
    • Use insect repellent that has DEET (at least 20%).
    • Wear long sleeves and long pants, especially in places where you see a lot of bugs.

4. Protect Yourself from the Sun:

  • Avoid Sunburn: Getting a sunburn can increase your risk of skin cancer later in life. Studies show that one bad sunburn as a kid can double your chance of getting melanoma. To protect yourself:
    • Use sunscreen that is broad-spectrum with at least SPF 30.
    • Stay in the shade during the hottest hours of the day (10 AM to 4 PM) and wear protective clothing.

5. Know Where to Get Medical Help:

  • Check for Hospitals: Before you travel, find out where the nearest hospitals and clinics are in your destination. The International Association for Medical Assistance to Travelers (IAMAT) can help you find medical facilities around the world.

By following these tips, you can lower your chances of getting sick while traveling and enjoy a safer time abroad!

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How Can You Protect Yourself from Travel-Related Illnesses While Abroad?

Traveling can be an amazing adventure! But it can also bring some health risks. The World Health Organization (WHO) says about 10% of travelers around the world may get sick while away from home. Stomach issues are one of the most common problems. Here are some important tips to help you stay healthy while traveling:

1. Get Vaccinated and Prepare Medications:

  • Before You Go: Make sure you have all of your standard vaccinations done. You might need extra shots based on where you’re going. For example:

    • It's a good idea to get vaccinated for Hepatitis A and Typhoid if you are visiting developing countries where food and water might not be safe.
    • Some places, especially in Africa and South America, require a Yellow Fever shot to enter.

  • Travel Medications: Think about taking some medicine with you, like anti-diarrheal drugs. Antibiotics such as ciprofloxacin or azithromycin can also be helpful for treating infections.

2. Stay Safe with Food and Water:

  • Choose Safe Foods: Every year, about 600 million people get sick from bad food. To stay safe:

    • Eat cooked food that is served hot.
    • Drink bottled or boiled water. Avoid ice unless you’re sure it’s made from clean water.

  • Wash Your Hands: Always wash your hands with soap and water before you eat. If soap isn’t around, use hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.

3. Protect Yourself from Insects:

  • Avoid Mosquito Bites: Mosquitoes can spread illnesses like malaria and dengue fever. The WHO found that there were more than 229 million cases of malaria in 2019. Here’s how to keep them away:
    • Use insect repellent that has DEET (at least 20%).
    • Wear long sleeves and long pants, especially in places where you see a lot of bugs.

4. Protect Yourself from the Sun:

  • Avoid Sunburn: Getting a sunburn can increase your risk of skin cancer later in life. Studies show that one bad sunburn as a kid can double your chance of getting melanoma. To protect yourself:
    • Use sunscreen that is broad-spectrum with at least SPF 30.
    • Stay in the shade during the hottest hours of the day (10 AM to 4 PM) and wear protective clothing.

5. Know Where to Get Medical Help:

  • Check for Hospitals: Before you travel, find out where the nearest hospitals and clinics are in your destination. The International Association for Medical Assistance to Travelers (IAMAT) can help you find medical facilities around the world.

By following these tips, you can lower your chances of getting sick while traveling and enjoy a safer time abroad!

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