Traveling to a new country is exciting. You get to explore new cultures, try different foods and see amazing sights. But what if something goes wrong with your health while you are abroad? It’s a scary thought but as many as 79% of travelers to developing countries become ill with travel-related health problems.
Whether it’s a traveler’s diarrhea or a more serious issue, being prepared can make all the difference. Knowing what vaccinations you need, common health risks and how to handle emergencies can help you stay safe and healthy while exploring the world.
Samia Kadri, a nurse practitioner at Banner Urgent Care, shared four health tips you need to know before you go!
1. Get vaccinated
Before leaving for your trip, check to make sure you are up to date on all required vaccinations. Each country has different vaccine requirements and may ask for proof of vaccination upon entry.
“It’s a good idea to visit your health care provider or travel clinic at least two months before you travel,” Kadri said. “This ensures all required vaccines are ordered and received within one month of travel.”
Required or recommended vaccinations
- Vaccines for United States: Some vaccines are recommended or required to visit the U.S. These may include MMR (measles, mumps, rubella), Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis), pneumonia, polio and the flu.
- Other countries: Depending on your destination, you may need hepatitis A and B, typhoid, yellow fever, Japanese encephalitis, meningococcal and malaria prophylaxis. Visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website for a list of vaccines for the country you are visiting.
If you are pregnant, an older adult or immunocompromised, talk to your health care provider about additional vaccinations and safety measures. They can guide you on what vaccines are safe during pregnancy or for those with weakened immune systems.
2. Watch out for common travel ailments
Even with vaccinations, you can still get sick while traveling. Here are some common travel health issues and how to avoid them:
- Traveler’s diarrhea: One of the most common health problems while traveling is diarrhea. It is usually caused by contaminated food or water. “It’s important to check if you can safely drink the water in any country you visit,” Kadri said. “To prevent the risk of diarrhea, avoid tap water, ice and street food. Drink purified water when possible. If you do get sick, drink plenty of safe fluids to stay hydrated.”
- Jet lag: Crossing time zones can interfere with sleep. If it’s nighttime at your destination, try sleeping on the plane. Once there, spend time in the sunlight to reset your body clock.
- Motion sickness: If you get dizzy on planes, boats or cars, try sitting near the front and focusing on the horizon. You can also take motion sickness medicine before your trip.
- Insect bites: Mosquitos can carry diseases like malaria, Zika and dengue fever. Use insect repellant, wear long sleeves and pants and sleep under mosquito nets in high-risk areas.
- Sunburn and heat exhaustion: If you’re traveling to a hot climate, wear sunscreen and drink plenty of water. Avoid staying in the sun too long and take breaks in the shade.
3. Pack a travel health kit
It’s always wise to pack a health kit for your trip. You never know when you might need it. Having the right supplies can make things easier, especially if you encounter language barriers or have trouble accessing certain medications abroad.
Here are some essentials to pack:
- Pain relievers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen for headaches or muscle aches.
- Antihistamines if you have allergies.
- Anti-diarrhea medicine, just in case you get sick.
- Mosquito repellent if you’re going to a high-risk area.
- Band-aids and antiseptic for cuts and scrapes.
- Sunscreen to protect your skin from the sun.
- Motion sickness medicine to avoid nausea during travel.
- Water purification tablets if you’re going to a place without clean water.
- Medical alert bracelet: If you have a chronic illness, wear a medical alert bracelet. This will help emergency responders quickly determine your medical needs.
- Prescription medications: Bring extra prescription medication in case your trip is delayed, along with a list of generic and brand names.
“Take all medicines in their original dispensed bottles,” Kadri said. “Do not put them in a weekly container because it can easily lead to confusion about which medication you’re taking.”
[Check out more tips when traveling with your medication.]
4. Be prepared for emergencies
Even with the best preparation, medical emergencies can happen. Here are some ways to prepare for health emergencies while traveling internationally:
- Know the local emergency number: Just like 911 in the U.S., other countries have their own emergency number. Look them up before you go.
- Consider supplemental insurance: “Your current medical insurance may not cover care in another country,” Kadri said. “Travel insurance will cover you in case of delays, accidents or illness.” If something goes wrong, this can save you a lot of money and stress.
- Locate nearby hospitals: When you arrive at your destination, find the nearest hospital or clinic.
- Stay connected: Keep a list of emergency contacts, like the nearest embassy or consulate.
Bonus tips to stay safe abroad
In addition to vaccinations and health prep, here are some extra tips to ensure a safe journey:
- Familiarize yourself with local laws and customs: Research local laws, cultural norms and customs ahead of time to avoid misunderstandings and ensure respectful behavior.
- Notify your credit card company: Let them know where you’ll be traveling so they don’t block your card.
- Share your travel itinerary: Let family and friends know where you’ll be, especially in an emergency.
- Download a language app: If traveling somewhere you don’t speak the language, consider downloading a translating app or hiring a local guide.
- Set up international communication: To make local calls, consider an eSIM card, VoIP apps like Google Voice and mobile roaming.
- Check health advisories: Before you leave, check the health advisories for the country you’re visiting. This includes knowing about any risks, such as malaria or Zika.
Takeaway
Traveling to new places is a wonderful experience, but it’s always better when you’re prepared. Plan ahead by getting the necessary vaccines, packing a health kit and knowing what to do in an emergency. This way, you can enjoy your travels without any second thoughts. Safe travels!
