CARE to travel?
PREP TO DO BEFORE YOU TAKE OFF
We’ve all heard horror stories about people whose travels have turned out to be traumatic thanks to health issues. In some cases, illnesses and accidents can’t be prevented, but there are always plenty of things you can do to reduce the risk of needing medical attention while you’re away.
BEFORE YOU GO
GET TRAVEL INSURANCE
This is a no-brainer. Read the small print and make sure your insurance policy covers you for a wide range of health issues, from doctor’s visits and hospital stays through to medical evacuation if necessary.
DO YOUR RESEARCH
Check out any possible pitfalls of your destination and be prepared. Research the weather, health hazards particular to where you’ll be (ie jellyfish, mosquitos), infectious diseases, air quality and water sanitation.
GET YOUR SHOTS
Among the research you do, find out what immunisations you’ll need. Some countries, in places such as Africa, Asia and South America, have high rates of infectious diseases we rarely get here, so it’s important to make sure you’re vaccinated. If you’ve been there before, you may need a booster shot. Don’t forget you’ll need to have them within a recommended timeframe, so don’t leave it until the last minute.
SORT OUT MEDICATION YOU’LL NEED TO TAKE
Refilling prescriptions in foreign countries can be difficult and expensive. If you take regular medication, make sure you have enough to last for the whole trip, along with a few extra days at the end in case your travel plans change for any reason. Keep your medications in their original packets, especially when going through customs. It may be worth taking a note listing them that’s been signed by your doctor too, just in case you’re questioned about the drugs you have.
STOCK UP YOUR FIRST-AID KIT
It makes life so much easier if you’ve got things such as plasters, bandages, painkillers and antiseptic cream on you, instead of having to source these items while you’re away. Also include anti-diarrhoea and anti-motion sickness medication, aloe gel for sunburn and rehydration salts in case you get dehydrated.
SEE YOUR DOCTOR ABOUT ANY MEDICAL CONDITIONS
If you have a chronic condition or ongoing health issues it’s a wise idea to see your doctor before you head off, just to check that everything is under control and to get advice on what to do if anything goes wrong. This is particularly important if you have a respiratory condition, for example, and are going to a city where pollution is high and air quality is poor.
PACK EARPLUGS OR NOISE-REDUCING HEADPHONES
It can be hard to sleep on planes or in some accommodation because of noise you’re not used to. It’s worth investing in earplugs or noise-reducing headphones as a lack of sleep can put a real dampener on your holiday.
WHEN YOU’RE THERE
BE CAUTIOUS WITH FOOD
Sampling local cuisine is one of the best parts of travelling but you may need to be wary of what you eat in some places. The golden rule is to stick to foods that have been cooked and are piping hot, or those that you can peel. Avoid salads in places where there are potential issues with water sanitation as the water greens have been washed in may be contaminated. If you want to eat local street cuisine, opt for something that is cooked in front of you and still hot, rather than pre-cooked food that could have been sitting around for who knows how long.
BE CAREFUL WITH WATER
Contaminated water has been the downfall of many travellers, leading to awful incidences of diarrhoea and vomiting. If you’re in a country where water sanitation isn’t great, only drink bottled water, and use it to clean your teeth. Ask for beverages to be served without ice, and you may also want to avoid iced teas, coffees or slushies that are made on the premises rather than coming out of a bottle.
DON’T GET DEHYDRATED
It’s very important to keep up your fluid intake in a hot country, or if you have had vomiting or diarrhoea. The first signs of dehydration are a dry, sticky mouth and tongue, headache, weakness and lethargy, and feeling light-headed and dizzy. Water is the best choice – avoid high-sugar drinks such as soft and sports drinks, caffeinated beverages and alcohol.
AVOID
INSECT BITES
Insects and ticks can transmit some nasty diseases such as malaria, Lyme disease, Zika virus and dengue. If bugs are an issue where you’re going, use insect repellent, wear lightweight clothing that leaves as little skin exposed as possible and use a bed net if available (or consider taking one of your own from home).
WASH YOUR HANDS – LOTS!
One of the best ways to avoid a nasty bug that can ruin your holiday is to practise good hygiene. Always wash your hands before eating, after going to the bathroom or being in a public place, ie holding handrails on public transport. Use soap and hot water, and wash for as long as it takes you to sing Twinkle Twinkle Little Star. Also carry hand sanitiser for times when you can’t wash your hands.
BE WARY AROUND ANIMALS
Bites and scratches from animals are not only painful – they can result in serious infections. It goes without saying that you should exercise caution around wild animals, including monkeys, which can suddenly turn aggressive. But also be careful of domestic animals. That cute puppy hanging around your hotel could infect you with tetanus or rabies if it bites you.
DON’T GO CRAZY
Travelling is often about having new experiences and trying things you might not normally do. Just remember that you’re not bulletproof − be sensible. For example, don’t ignore the seatbelt in an open-top jeep because you’re on holiday and bouncing around on a beach having fun. And if you hire a motorbike or scooter in a hot country, think about the consequences if you come off and you’re only wearing shorts and a tank top.