Friday, November 19, 2010

Avoiding the Sniffles

When many of us travel we will generally remember to pack the Tylenol or Advil in case of a headache while we travel. However, it would be nice to be able prevent the common cold or a case of the flu from happening and swooping in to ruin your vacation altogether. I was researching some of the best tips to avoid getting sick while you travel. Some of these tips are recommended before you even leave for your trip.

1.    This seems to be the most obvious, but alas here it is: prepare by getting prescriptions filled and any necessary vaccines as a preemptive attack for any of the local destinations unwanted inhabitants. Remember to bring any meds along with you too!

2.    Wash your hands! One of the most important things you can remember to do is to keep your hands clean. We touch our faces: mouth, nose and eyes several times throughout the day, most of the times we are doing this without even noticing we’re doing it so remember to wash and sanitize!

3.    Drink lots of water. Stay hydrated, especially when flying. Airplanes are breeding ground for germs and are one of the many infested ways to catch a cold. In an attempt to avoid catching anything you need to keep the healthy mucous your body produces maintained by staying hydrated.

4.    On the same topic watch what you are eating and drinking. Contaminated water and food are the leading causes of sickness while abroad. Watch what you are given and what you plan to eat especially water and fruit/veggies. Bottled water is always the safest way to go and any fruit that you need to peal. Food is not maintained, preserved, or cooked in the same sanitary methods we’re used to having here in the States be aware of what you are being served.

5.    Know your environment. Packing essentials for the obstacles you’ll face. If you are going to the beach – sunscreen, burn lotion, hat, etc. If you’re going to the jungle – mosquito lotion/spray, long sleeves, etc. If you are on walking tours – arch supported shoes with clean breathable socks.

6.    Know your limits. If it seems like a bad idea, it probably is a bad idea. If your body is telling you that you should rest or you shouldn’t push any further stop. Get lots of rest, your body becomes more susceptible to germs when it is rundown.

7.    Get travel health insurance. You never know and no matter how many preemptive things you may do to stay healthy we aren’t immune. It’s better to be insured and have that security of coverage.



Hopefully, by following a few of these or ALL of these tips you can have a happy, healthy, safe journey to your vacation destination sniffle free.

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