Wednesday, March 25, 2015

How Not To Get Sick When Traveling Abroad

By Jonny Blair


Avoid Local Water

I am sure you have heard that bit of advice so many times it not funny. It used to be a standard warning for anyone going to Central America or Mexico. Truth be told the warning was equally given to those from that region going to America or Europe. Each part of the world has their own unique germs, so it is relatively easy to get ill while traveling. Compound the possibility of exposure to germs in the close confines of an airplane and some sort of illness is inevitable. On the other side the more frequent that you travel the more your body will build up a tolerance, also these illness may made you feel bad but are seldom serious. If in doubt by all means seek medical attention.

Not Letting an Illness Ruin Your Travel

An illness can easily ruin your travel whether a vacation or business. The best you can do is work through it. One of the best antidotes for any illness is water. Dehydration will often be a side effect of a illness which in itself can lead to further problems. Drink only bottle water if your ill and drink at least three liters (quarts) a day and maybe a little more if it is very hot. That may sound like a lot of water but it easy to do. Drinking a 500 ml or 16 oz bottle of water at each meal is half of your requirement. Add another bottle mid morning, mid afternoon and one in the evening. Limit your alcohol and caffeine intake as they can increase the effects of dehydration.

If you get sick while traveling it is recommended that you take it easy and get some rest. Nobody wants to spend their trip in bed sleeping but taking short naps will help your recover. Try to get some sleep after lunch or dinner. Relaxing activities such as reading a great book or swimming can help pass the time and keep your mind active and not focused on the illness. Try to get your strength back and not take part in anything that would require to much energy.

Ways To Prevent Illness

The best defense against illness is to limit some of your exposure to the thing which causes it. Avoid water as much as possible unless necessary and when you land stock up on fluids. The cabin air in a airplane is dry, and can cause dehydration. Try to get a good nights sleep before your trip. Lack of sleep and the stress of travelling can lower your immune system. Temperatures inside a plane can be chilly so make sure to have warm clothes on board. Keep a bottle of water handy, a small bottle of hand sanitizer, stretch you legs, take a multivitamin and moisturise regularly during flights.

Taking a little over the counter medicine at the first symptoms may be enough to keep you from really feeling it. Antacid tables for upset stomachs, antihistamine for sinus and allergies including insect bites, Imodium to reduce effects of diarrhea , something for flu like symptoms, Tylenol for headaches, fisherman friend for sore throat and ginger candies for motion sickness. The ginger candies are also good anytime your stomach is upset. It may sound like a lot of medicine but you only need a few of each. Just enough to take at first signs and sustain you till it convenient to stop at a drug store. I keep mine in a small drawstring change purse. A small bottle of hand sanitizer may come in handy.

When you arrive at your destination, ease into the local foods that you may see at venders, give your system a day to adapt. If you do become ill, use your best judgment on how much to do each day.




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