Hectic schedules, long and tiring days, feeling anxious and stressed out trying to meet deadlines are all part of our lives. Most of us crave for a break from our normal routines to regain our strength and energy. Going on a vacation with your family and friends or by yourself will help you relax and get over the cares of daily life.
Traveling to places you’ve never been before is one of the best ways to rejuvenate yourself. However, an exciting holiday could be cut short or even ruined if you do not take precautionary measures against potential health issues.
When you travel to a new place you are in a new environment where you get exposed to unfamiliar bugs and parasites. The longer you stay there the higher the chance of getting infected with a virus. Getting adjusted to the air, water, and food in a new environment could also take time. What are some of the diseases to look out for and how can you minimize the risks?
Diseases from mosquito bites
The most dangerous of all health threats to travelers are caused by mosquito bites. A wide range of diseases like malaria, dengue, yellow fever, chikungunya, and Japanese encephalitis are spread through mosquito bites. Mosquito bites could be quite painful and itchy too causing severe allergic reactions in some people.
It’s always best to take vaccines for whatever diseases you can prevent. Sleeping in an air-conditioned room would help to minimize the risk of getting bitten by a mosquito. Using mosquito repellents, sleeping under nets and wearing the right kind of clothes that allow you to cover most of your skin can reduce or even prevent mosquito bites.
Diarrhea through contaminated food
Diarrhea is one of the worst nightmares for any traveler as that could spoil the entire trip and you could even end up in a hospital if the infection is quite serious. Food prepared in unhygienic conditions, eating food that is undercooked, raw vegetables and fruits, and contaminated food could result in several kinds of gastrointestinal disorders, nausea, and diarrhea.
You could get infected by salmonella, e-Coli, or Shigella. Make sure you eat fresh food that is served piping hot. Avoid undercooked or raw meals. Wash your hands several times a day and do it properly. Drink plenty of clean water and electrolytes if you have stomach troubles when you travel and seek medical help if your condition is severe.
Respiratory diseases
Respiratory diseases are quite common when you travel. Pollution and certain kinds of pollen in the atmosphere tend to trigger respiratory problems and other irritations in people who suffer from allergies and asthma. If you have such health issues make a thorough research about the place where you plan to travel to take the necessary precautions. Similarly cold and related health problems are also quite common when you travel. Carry the necessary medication, nasal decongestant and inhalers to overcome such infections.
Urinary infections
Bladder infections are quite common, especially among women, while traveling. The symptoms of urinary infection include the urge to use a bathroom quite often, pain while urinating and dark colored urine with a strong smell. This is usually caused by the e-Coli bacteria and in severe cases, a person could have a fever along with pain in the sides. A strong dose of antibiotics is required in severe cases. Make sure you drink plenty of clean water, use clean toilets and that you have a good personal hygiene to prevent urinary infections.
Protection from sun and related problems
Most of us prefer to take a holiday during the summer season to enjoy a bit of a sun. Traveling would be quite difficult if it rains or snows. However, you should be careful enough to protect yourself from sunburn, heat stroke, and dehydration. Make sure you use a good sunscreen each time you go out in the sun. Wear loose clothing and sunglasses to protect yourself and drink plenty of water and liquids to stay well hydrated.
Painful blisters
This is a common problem faced by many travelers especially if you are hiking. Tourists who go around sightseeing and shopping could also suffer from blisters which could make it really difficult walking around. Avoid wearing a new pair of shoes while hiking. Heat and friction are the major causes of blisters you can minimize both using skin lubricants.
Planning ahead and taking the necessary precautions could minimize the risk of health issues while traveling and you can enjoy a memorable holiday with your loved ones.
