Sunday, March 15, 2015

How Not To Get Sick When Traveling Abroad

By Jonny Blair


Only Use Bottled Water

We have all heard that piece of advice before going on our holiday. It has been a warning given to foreign travellers for years. Depending on which area of the world you are traveling to, will determine the health risks you will have to watch out for. Each country has their own unique organisms in the water, so it is quite common to get ill while traveling. One in three people will spend at least one day in bed with an upset stomach. The close confines of an airplane cabin mean that 80% of the air is contaminated with other peoples exhaled germs, so catching some sort of illness is inevitable if there are sick people on the plane. The more that you travel the better your body will be at fighting these foreign organisms and bacteria. Talk to a doctor if you feel really bad at any stage and have good travel insurance.

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.

The best way to recover if you fall ill abroad is to get some rest. Although you will not want to sleep your holiday away, taking some nap time will help your body feel stronger. Have a lie down after your dinner and maybe read a book on the balcony or by the pool. Indoor activities such as spa treatments or gentle exercise may help to distract your mind from the sickness. Obviously, take it easy and do not do anything to strenuous.

The Best Way To Protect Yourself

As they say, the best defence is a good offense, so try to limit some of your exposure. Prior to your trip drink plenty of fluids. The air in a plane is dry, and can cause you to dehydrate. Get a good nice sleep before your trip and control your stress. High stress and lack of sleep will lower your immune system. If the flight is long bring a sweater, the temperature in the plane can be chilly. Chilly conditions increases your risk of catching a bug. To keep something minor from slowing you down, I suggest a two day medicine chest.

If you are feeling ill then get to a pharmacy to get some remedies quick. Getting some over the counter help at the first signs of illness can stop it ruining your holiday. Carrying a travellers first aid kit is a wise idea and packing it with some hand sanitizer, Imodium, antihistamines, insect repellent, lozenges and ginger candies for motion sickness is recommended.. This small kit would only cost a few dollars to pit together and save you from having to visit a doctor abroad. few remedies can save you a lot of disappointment

On arrival in your destination country, try to take it easy when sampling the local foods. Jumping in gives your system no time to adapt. If you do become ill, stay in bed and rest.




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