Travel Health Tips

• By : Gaurav Batra
• In : Travel Tips
• Last Updated: 2017-08-02

Trips are one of the best ways to take a break from the monotonous routine of your day to day lives. As soon vacations arrive, we all hurry up to run to one or the other travel destination where we can relax, enjoy and spend our holidays. Staying in that place, exploring, enjoying, indulging you in the delicacies out there, it all sounds so magical! But remember, all this can get spoilt by nothing but your own health, if you don't be cautious about wellbeing needs!

You can enjoy your vacations only when you feel healthy and spirited from inside. And, if your health does not support you these enjoyable vacations to a great destination, become a burden and nothing else! So, here we present you with tips on staying healthy, before you go on a trip and while you are away.

Carry along First Aid Kit

The first aid kit that you carry along should contain the following :

• Your Prescription medicines in their original containers.
• You must carry medicines for diarrhea and stomach problems. Get a prescription from your doctor of medicines that you must take if caught by traveler's diarrhea.
• Cough and cold medicines are essential.
• Pain killer medicines such as aspirin etc. are also a must to carry.
• For allergies, Decongestants and antihistamines are recommendable. While travelling, prefer the one's which don't cause sleepiness.
• Adhesive bandages, Antibiotic ointment, moleskin for blisters, sunscreen with SPF at least 15 and a lip balm.
• Medicines for motion and altitude sickness are recommended.
• Scissors, nail clippers, tweezers, pocket knife, thermometer and a mirror.
• Hand sanitizers and wipes.

Before you Go

Immunizations or vaccinations if needed should be taken least 6 weeks before you leave. Some vaccines need about 6 weeks after you get the shots to reach to the highest protection level.

Medical and dental check-ups are important before your trip, to be aware of problems if any. Then accordingly you can find out about medicines you might need to take along.

Enquire fully about your health insurance, in case you might see a doctor while you're in another country. Carry enough of your regular medicines in their original containers, along with extra prescriptions for them. Also bring your eyewear prescriptions. Do bring a first-aid kit along.

Vaccines you Might Get

Consult your doctor once before your trip, so that he can decide if you need any vaccinations. If you are not fully protected, vaccinations that you got in your childhood might need to be updated. Vaccines that may be needed to protect you include the following :

• Hepatitis A or hepatitis A immune globulin
• Hepatitis B
• Influenza (the flu)
• Japanese encephalitis
• Measles-mumps-rubella
• Meningococcal meningitis
• Pneumococcal
• Polio
• Rabies
• Tetanus and diphtheria Toxoids
• Typhoid fever
• Varicella (chickenpox)
• Yellow fever

On your Trip

If the country you are going to has an increased risk of traveler's diarrhea, then you make it a point to eat carefully. Always go for steaming hot and well cooked food. Avoid eating from street vendors, raw or uncooked seafood and unpasteurized dairy products. Drink water from commercially sealed bottles or as an alternative go for carbonated beverages. Don't go for ice as it may be unhygienic. Even for brushing your teeth, use bottled water.

If the country you are going to has a risk of malaria, then do consult your doctor before going. He will prescribe you preventive medicine for malaria which you can take before going on your trip, while traveling and also for four weeks after returning home.
Swimming and other water activities should be avoided in streams and freshwater lakes.

If you are going to a country with an increased risk of mosquito borne diseases, try and protect yourself against insects. Insect repellents containing DEET are the best. Use bed nets and wear permethrin-coated clothing while you sleep.

Avoid using overcrowded transportation. Ride in vehicles having a safety belt and also wear a helmet while driving a motorcycle. Driving at nights and in unfamiliar areas without local help and directions should be avoided.