What to Do If You Get Sick While Traveling

Don't Worry, Be Healthy: What to Do If You Get Sick While Traveling

It's every traveler's worst nightmare: you're on vacation, far from home, and you get sick. Whether it's a case of traveler's diarrhea or something more serious, getting sick while traveling can put a real damper on your trip. But don't worry, we're here to help. Today, French Quarter Phantoms provides some tips on how to avoid getting sick while traveling and what to do if you do end up catching a bug.

Get Ready

There are a few things you can do before you even leave on your trip to help avoid getting sick while traveling. First and foremost, make sure you are up-to-date on all of your vaccinations. Depending on where you are traveling, there may be certain vaccinations that are required or recommended. For example, if you are traveling to Africa or Southeast Asia, you will need to get the yellow fever vaccine. Check with your doctor or a travel clinic to find out what vaccinations are recommended or required for your destination.

Have Your Files Ready

Another preparation you can make before heading off on your trip is to digitize all of your medical information as PDFs. This way, if you happen to get sick while traveling and need to see a doctor, you will have easy access to all of your medical information – no need for paper copies that could easily get lost! If you’re looking for a free conversion tool, you can try this and save your files as PDFs in seconds. Then, simply open up the PDFs on your phone or laptop and show them to the doctor.

Pack Some Essentials

Pack some healthy essentials in your carry-on bag, such as hand sanitizer, face masks, and antibacterial wipes. These items can come in handy if you find yourself in a less-than-sanitary situation (think dirty airplanes or public transportation). And speaking of airplane travel, be sure to drink plenty of water during your flight to avoid dehydration, which is one of the leading causes of sickness while flying!

Tips to Stay Healthy

One of the best ways to stay healthy while traveling is by practicing good hygiene. Remember to wash your hands regularly with soap and water (or use hand sanitizer), avoid touching your face, and cough or sneeze into a tissue or your elbow.

Eat Healthy Foods

Also, be sure to eat healthy foods and stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water throughout the day. It's easy to let healthy eating habits fall by the wayside when you're on vacation; after all, who doesn't want to indulge in delicious local cuisine? But try to balance junk food with some fruits and vegetables too.

Choose Your Food Carefully

And speaking of local cuisine, one final tip for avoiding sickness while traveling is to be cautious about what you eat and drink. Avoid tap water (stick to bottled water instead), raw fruits and vegetables (stick with cooked options), unpasteurized dairy products (again... cooked is better), meat that has not been properly cooked (no rare steak for you!), and anything else that might not be up to Western standards of cleanliness. Following these tips can help you avoid getting sick while traveling.

So You Got Sick

If, despite all of your best efforts, you find yourself getting sick while traveling, don't get upset. The first thing you should do is focus on getting plenty of rest and fluids. If you start to feel worse, you may need to seek medical attention, which can mean going to a local clinic or hospital or even calling for an ambulance if it is a true emergency.

Call ahead before going so that they can be prepared for your arrival and treat you as quickly as possible. Once you receive treatment – whether it's medication for an upset stomach or something more serious – be sure to follow the doctor's orders and rest up as much as possible so that you can recover quickly and continue enjoying your vacation!

Getting sick while traveling is no fun, but it doesn't have to ruin your trip! By following our tips on how to prepare before your trip and how to stay healthy while traveling, you can minimize your risk of getting sick while away from home. And if, despite all of your precautions, you still find yourself unwell, don't hesitate to seek out medical attention immediately so that treatment can be administered as soon as possible!

French Quarter Phantoms offers the best tours in New Orleans. Call (504) 666-8300.

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