How to Protect Your Health When Traveling Overseas

Visiting new places and traveling the world is an exciting experience and can provide you with some of life’s most memorable moments. While seeing the world and immersing yourself in different cultures and breathtaking sights is a liberating experience, it is also vital to take care to protect your health when traveling overseas. Falling ill in a different country can be a scary experience, especially if you do not speak the language. So, taking the best care to keep yourself healthy on your travels is a must. The good news is there are many things you can do to avoid illness when away from home. Here are some ways to protect your health and ensure illness does not spoil your vacation:

 

Get Vaccinated

 

Vaccinations are an effective way to get protection from some serious diseases you may be exposed to during your travels. Vaccinations are compulsory for travel to some parts of the world, so doing your research ahead of your journey is essential. Speaking with your doctor a couple of months before your trip is a good idea as this should give you time to get any vaccinations that may be required.

 

Keep Mosquitoes Away

 

In many parts of the world, mosquitoes can carry infectious diseases that can cause various health problems. Malaria and the Zika virus are examples of some of the best-known diseases carried by mosquitoes, but these are not the only severe health conditions caused by a mosquito bite. Another tropical disease to be aware of is lymphatic filariasis (LF), also referred to as elephantiasis. LF is transmitted by infected mosquitoes, and unfortunately, eliminating elephantiasis requires a long-term approach. Like so many other mosquito-borne tropical diseases, prevention is better than cure. Taking measures such as insect nets, insecticides, and keeping limbs covered is the best course of action to reduce the likelihood of being bitten by an infected mosquito.

 

Check Travel Notices

 

Checking travel notices before you plan your trip is a great way to ensure you do not unknowingly travel to an area where you are at an increased risk of contracting a disease. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) regularly updates travel health notices on its website. The health notices provide details of current disease outbreaks in countries around the world, helping you make an informed decision on your chosen destination before you travel.

 

Take Care When Eating and Drinking

 

Being struck down with gastrointestinal issues when you are supposed to be enjoying a vacation is no fun at all. So, trying to minimize the chances of picking up a stomach bug is essential. Taking care not to drink local tap water and avoiding drinks that have ice in them is a great place to start. It is also helpful to avoid food that has been washed in local tap water and served raw, such as salad leaves and raw vegetables. Taking these simple precautions should help you avoid becoming sick on your trip and allow you to have the best time.