If anyone is an expert on getting sick abroad, it’s me. At this point in my life, I have gotten food poisoning, water
poisoning, or motion sickness on every continent (I know, what an accomplishment). Some were dumb mistakes—trying to make a salad with unwashed vegetables while aboard my Nile River cruise boat. And then there are other cases where I still can’t pinpoint what happened. Either way, I have learned from my experiences and have some tips for how you can stay healthy when traveling abroad:
BEFORE YOU LEAVE:
-Ensure that you are covered by either your regular health insurance or some sort of travel insurance. Most of the time, you will need to pay out of pocket and submit a claim for reimbursement when you get home, so be prepared for that scenario. The benefit to getting travel insurance is that it is usually more comprehensive and accounts for other travesties like lost luggage or the need for emergency evacuation.
-Check with the Center for Disease Control (or your home country’s equivalent) for the health recommendations for the countries you will be visiting. The CDC may recommend certain vaccinations or medications. Some vaccinations require multiple booster shots or a certain amount of time before it is active so be sure to plan ahead on this one.
-Create a first aid kit for yourself. The usual suspects like band-aids, antibiotic ointment, anti-diarrhea tablets, and cold medicine will help with basic ailments. If you are visiting a more developed country, these items and others will be readily available. But, if you are going off the beaten path, you’ll definitely want to have your own with you.
WHILE TRAVELING:
-One of the most common illnesses abroad is food and water poisoning. Use common sense and try to avoid common culprits like unwashed vegetables or items made with ice (that came from untreated tap water). For food, I usually stick with cooked meat, starches, and vegetables. For fruits, anything that you have to peel like a banana or orange is typically safe. Beverage-wise, bottled water is typically a must in most foreign countries and other safe bets are hot tea, coffee, and bottled soda.
-Remember to take your medications according to your doctor’s instructions.
-In countries with mosquito issues, always remember your repellant, especially after dark! Other precautions like mosquito nets over beds are also there for a good reason.
-The common cold and a cough are relatively normal in most places as your body adjusts to different air quality or temperature changes. Monitor your symptoms and see a doctor if the condition persists. In many countries, the local pharmacy acts like a doctor’s office and will give you the needed medicine on the spot.
Have other tips for staying healthy abroad? Share them with fellow readers by posting them here. Email [email protected] with any other questions.
