Returning home from vacation can bring back not only souvenirs and precious memories, but also a nasty cold, digestive issues, or other health problems. Getting sick while traveling is quite common, but it's easily preventable. No matter how clean the hotel you're staying at, the risk of getting sick exists anywhere large groups of people gather. So what should you do to prevent this from happening? Here's what doctors do to prevent getting sick while traveling 👇
1. Wear a mask at the airport and on the plane.
Although COVID-19 is no longer as serious a concern as it once was, it's still best to wear a mask on a plane, as we're exposed to the same circulating air. You can always err on the side of caution by throwing a pack or two of masks in your bag. High-quality masks, such as N95s, are the best option for reducing germ transmission in crowded spaces.
2. Wash your hands more often.
To avoid getting sick while traveling, your priority should be constant hand washing. You can also always carry hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol to prevent the spread of germs. Bring alcohol-based disinfectant wipes and wipe down your seat, headrest, armrests, tray table, and screen in front of you—anything you might touch while seated.
3. Drink enough fluids
To avoid getting sick while traveling, try to drink plenty of water before boarding a plane or traveling on a bus. If you're traveling by plane, avoid drinking alcohol. You can also choose soda on the plane, as it contains plenty of electrolytes.
4. Take vitamins to strengthen your immune system.
Before boarding a plane, you may want to bring a nasal spray and vitamin C tablets. The air in the airplane cabin is dry, allowing germs to circulate freely. Therefore, you may want to take a few vitamin C tablets before boarding to boost your immune system and protect your body from airborne germs. Nasal sprays also help fight germs by moisturizing the nasal passages. However, if you have any health conditions, are pregnant, or take regular medications, do not take supplements, even vitamins, without consulting your doctor.
5. Prioritize rest
Be sure to get plenty of rest before your flight and try to get some sleep during the long trip, if possible. Since sleep deprivation negatively impacts the immune system, the risk of contracting illness increases significantly if you're sleep-deprived.
6. Don't tire yourself out with over-planning.
Just as rest is important for your immune system, reducing stress is also crucial. When planning a trip, avoid creating a schedule that will overwhelm you. Stress, especially in a new environment, can lead to illness.
7. Eat a balanced diet.
To protect your body and immune system, carefully monitor what you eat while traveling. Most people don't eat properly while on vacation, but you should try to include fruits and vegetables in all meals to keep your immune system in tip-top shape.
8. Research vaccines and medications for travelers
To avoid getting sick while traveling, be sure to check for any vaccinations you need before your trip. In addition to pre-travel vaccinations, you may also need to purchase special medications in advance. If you're traveling abroad, you may be required to get certain vaccinations before traveling to certain countries. Detailed information on this topic is available on the Turkish Ministry of Health website.
9. Don't forget to protect yourself from the sun.
Use sunscreen every day. Whether you're at home or on vacation, you should apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 daily. If you plan to spend a lot of time outdoors during your trip, be sure to protect yourself from the sun.
10. Take insect repellent with you.
If you're going on a trip to the great outdoors or the tropics, you should definitely take insect repellent with you. Infections can be transmitted by mosquitoes, ticks, and other blood-sucking insects. To prevent this, be sure to spray insect repellent all over your body and carry it with you, if possible.
11. Don't forget your medications.
Be sure to bring a pain reliever in case of a sudden headache. If you're feeling nauseous, you can take an anti-nausea pill. Also, throw any medications you use into your bag first.
Share your opinion in the comments!