By Jennifer Woods
Preparing to go on vacation is an exciting time, particularly if you are travelling to a far-flung destination. However, as well as thinking about what new clothes you plan to treat yourself to for going away, it’s vital that you consider what steps you can take to keep yourself fit and well while you travel. Here we take a look at a number of important areas that you should take into consideration before you step on to the plane to jet off.
Vaccinations
Although sometimes you do plan a last minute holiday, it’s important to check whether you need to have any travel vaccinations in plenty of time; ideally leave yourself two months to do this, as some require a course of injections and can’t be taken alongside other vaccines. Check you are up to date for the usual shots, as conditions such as measles, meningitis, tetanus and TB occur in many parts of the world. Which additional vaccines you need does depend on where you are going, but if your travels are taking you to South America, Africa or Asia the chances are you may well need at least some immunizations to protect you from the diseases that are more prevalent locally. As well as the country you are holidaying in, which region you are going to makes a difference, as sometimes it is just more remote or poorly developed areas that pose a danger for specific diseases; the time of year is also important, as outbreaks of certain diseases only occur in a particular season.
Generally if you are backpacking or camping you are at greater risk than someone staying in a resort, as you are more likely to pick up infections when cooking or from where you are staying. If you already have existing health conditions, this can also make you more vulnerable to infections especially if you have a condition that weakens your immune system. Don’t forget to arrange a course of anti-malaria pills if you are off to an at risk region. Your usual doctor can advise you on the shots you will need for the destination you are visiting, but you can alternatively use the services of a travel clinic.
Travel insurance
Around a fifth of people taking a vacation don’t take out the travel insurance they require, which if involved in an accident or they require hospitalization due to illness they regret. Even though you have medical cover for within the United States this will not necessarily cover you for treatment elsewhere in the world. Equally currently being in perfect health is no excuse not to get it either, as you can’t predict whether you might take ill on holiday or injure yourself.
The cost of medical bills can mount up if you need to receive treatment abroad, so it pays to take out travel insurance. If taking part in adventure sports or trekking at high altitude, check your policy covers these; you may need to pay extra if taking part in what are considered more risky activities, but the extra dollars are worth it to know that you will be able to claim for the cost of treatment if needed. Don’t withhold any information about your current health when taking out a policy, as this could invalidate your insurance if you need to claim and it comes to light about your pre-existing conditions. If you are worried a chronic health problem will make it more difficult for you to take out a travel policy, be aware that you can get pre-existing medical conditions travel insurance, which would be ideal for you.
Food and drink on vacation
Around 40% of travellers experience diarrhea when they holiday abroad and not only is this an unpleasant experience when on vacation, but can sometimes result in the need to change plans, missing out on activities you had planned to do. Digestive upset on vacation is usually the result of consuming contaminated food and water, including produce that may have been washed in it. Trying new food is part of the fun when you go away, but you need to be particularly cautious with street food and that from a buffet that has been left standing; even some of that available in hotels can pose a risk. As a general rule if food isn’t cooked and can’t be peeled – as might be the case with fruit – avoid eating it to be on the safe side. There are particular foods to be aware of that pose a greater risk to health. Avoid unpasteurized milk, reheated rice and shellfish; even in the Mediterranean, an area thought to be a safe bet for holidays, only 5% of the shellfish is safe to eat. When eating meat make sure that it is well cooked, so avoid it served rare. Strict hand hygiene has never been more important when away, so always wash them prior to eating and drinking.
It is safest to buy bottled water and bottled soft drinks, though hot drinks shouldn’t pose as problem, as boiling water will have destroyed any microbes; ice should always be avoided unless made from bottled water. If you are travelling to remote areas and don’t have access to bottled water, use iodine solution or bottles with a filer to purify the water. In case you do succumb to vomiting or diarrhea carry oral rehydration sachets, but if a bout doesn’t clear up within three days it is best to seek medical advice in case you have come down with a more serious infection. Remember that oral contraceptive pills may be ineffective when you have a stomach upset, so use an alternative form of contraception.
For drinkers, alcohol is likely to be part of your vacation, but drink sensibly, as if you drink to excess you place yourself at high risk of a number of situations. If you go swimming you are more likely to come into difficulty, the chances of you falling asleep in the sun and burning are greater, you are more likely to be a victim of crime and the risk of pregnancy and sexually transmitted infection are also higher.
Staying safe in the sun
Even if you don’t burn badly, you are placing yourself at risk of developing skin cancer and cataracts in the future if you don’t protect yourself from UV light. It goes without saying to pack sunscreen sunglasses and a hat, but try to stay out of the sun when it is strongest – between 11am and 3pm – and if you do go out at this time, try to cover up your skin as much as possible with loose fitting clothing. If you do get burnt apply after sun or calamine lotion drink plenty non-alcoholic fluids and stay out of the sun till it heals. When you burn it’s a sign you are either not using a high enough factor of sun cream or are not reapplying it regularly enough, so change your practices regarding this to prevent burning again.
