Common Ailments to Watch Out for When Traveling and How to Prevent Them
It’s almost Christmas and surely, a number of Filipinos will take time to visit family or explore new destinations during the Christmas break.
Indeed, traveling is one of life’s greatest pleasured, opening new experiences, exploring new cultures and visiting new places, not to mention trying new cuisine! Along with the thrill of this adventures comes potential health issues like eating too much or drinking contaminated water. From jet lag complications to food poisoning, there are several usual ailments travelers encounter which we should all be mindful of.
Being aware of these and taking simple preventive measures can help ensure a safer and more enjoyable trip.
1. Jet Lag
Jet lag happens when our internal clock is not in sync with the time zone of your destination. Usual symptoms include insomnia and with it, fatigue. But for many, together with jet lag are digestive issues as the body struggles to adjust to the new day-and-night schedule. Constipation may be common and so is inability to eat properly.
What can travelers do in anticipation of jet lag and its complications?
- If at all possible, try adjusting your sleep time to your destination’s time zone even before you leave. This will result in a gradual time change to prevent shocking your body into a big change.
- Stay hydrated. Drinking plenty of water before the trip and during the flight prevents dehydration, which can worsen jet lag symptoms.
- Get enough exposure to natural sunlight. It is one of the best ways to reset your body clock. Spend time outdoors upon arrival.
- Avoid caffeine and alcohol. These stimulants can disrupl sleep, making your jet lag more difficult to manage.
2. Traveler’s Diarrhea
One of the most common ailments affecting travelers is traveler’s diarrhea, which is usually caused by consuming contaminated food or water. Usual symptoms include frequent, loose stools, dehydration and stomach cramps. Travelers usually get affected when they try street food, or where they eat in places with sanitation practices different from what they are used to.
How do you prevent diarrhea in a trip?
- Drink only reliable bottled or filtered water. Avoid tap water, specially in countries where the water distribution is not safe.
- Be mindful of food hygiene when you eat in restaurants or in the streets. Choosing well-cooked, hot foods, and avoiding raw or undercooked chicken, seafood, steak or even salad is a must. When you have to indulge in street food make sure of the food’s safety. Not because the locals are eating safely, does it mean it will be safe for you too.
- Practice good hand hygiene. Wash your hands always and use hand sanitizers regularly, especially before eating. Available eating utensils might not be properly cleaned so be sure to clean yours before using them.
Should your diarrhea elevate to something more grave, make sure to check in with a doctor. Hospital expenses in a foreign country could be steep so travel insurance with medical benefits will be a necessary precautionary measure. For those travelling overseas, consider Standard Insurance Travel Protect in GCash. Link for more information here https://help.gcash.com/hc/en-us/articles/11950285842585-Standard-Insurance-Travel-Protect-International
3. Motion Sickness
When in a moving vehicle specially boats, amusement park rides or even fast moving cars and buses, motion sickness may likely be triggered. Symptoms include nausea, vomiting, dizziness, and sweating. For those who are not used to long journeys, make it it a habit to bring medicines in anticipation of motion sickness.
How to prevent motion sickness when traveling:
- Sit strategically. Choose seats with the least motion, such as the front seat of a car, a window seat over the wing of a plane, or a middle cabin on a ship.
- Avoid heavy meals and alcohol. Avoid eating heavy meals before your journey as the trip may upset your stomach. Stick to light snacks.
- Bring medication. Over-the-counter motion sickness medications can be effective. If you’re prone to severe symptoms, consult a doctor for other options.
4. Sunburn and Heat Exhaustion
For those heading to warm destinations, sunburn and heat exhaustion are significant risks. Sunburns can lead to skin pain, peeling, and long-term skin damage, while heat exhaustion may cause symptoms like heavy sweating, dizziness, headache, and fatigue.
For those with a medical condition, take precautionary measures by making sure you secure your trip with Standard Insurance Travel Protect from GCash. Information on coverage for destinations within the Philippines can be found in this link https://help.gcash.com/hc/en-us/articles/11797940030489-Standard-Insurance-Travel-Protect-Saver-Plus
Prevention Tips to consider:
- Make it a habit to use sunscreen. Choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 and reapply every two hours.
- Wear protective clothing. Sunglasses, hats, and light, long-sleeved shirts provide extra protection.
- Stay hydrated and seek shade. Drink plenty of water and rest in shaded or air-conditioned areas when possible.
5. Altitude Sickness
Altitude sickness can affect those traveling to high-altitude destinations. It occurs when the body struggles to adjust to lower oxygen levels at higher elevations like mountainous, snowy peaks. Symptoms include headache, nausea, shortness of breath, and fatigue. At times, it can strain the heart and induce heart attack for some travelers.
How do you avoid altitude sickness?
- Ascend gradually. Give your body ample time to acclimate by ascending slowly. You can do this by spending a day or two at moderate altitude before heading to higher levels.
- Stay hydrated. Our body’s need for water increases as we struggle to adjust to higher altitudes. Dehydration can worsen symptoms, so drink plenty of water.
- Avoid alcohol and strenuous exercise in the first few days upon arrival.
- Consult your doctorabout altitude sickness medication if you’re planning a high-altitude trip.
If you believe you need to plan for potential medical requirements as you head to a high altitude destination, get covered with travel insurance with medical emergency benefits. You can look at getting a quote at the Standard Insurance website www.standard-insurance.comor getting it straight from Gcash.
6. Insect-Borne Illnesses
In certain regions, insect-borne diseases like malaria, dengue, and Zika virus are common. Symptoms vary but may include fever, chills, body aches, and in some cases, more severe complications. When you know your destination has these diseases, get yourself inoculated before the trip and make sure to plan for medical emergencies during your trip.
What can you do to protect yourself?
- Use insect repellent. Apply a repellent containing DEET or another effective ingredient.
- Wear long clothing and sleep under mosquito nets. Especially important in areas with a high risk of mosquito-borne illnesses.
- Vaccinations and medications. For certain destinations, vaccines or preventive medications may be recommended. Check with a travel clinic before you go.
7. Cold and Flu
Being in close quarters with others during flights, public transportation, or crowded tourist sites can increase the risk of catching a cold or flu. Symptoms include a sore throat, cough, runny nose, and fever.
How do you prevent colds and flu? Here are some tips.
- Wash your hands regularly and avoid touching your face.
- Consider wearing a mask in crowded places to reduce the risk of airborne infections.
- Boost your immune system with a balanced diet, exercise, and good rest before and during your travels.
8. Blisters and Foot Pain
It is common to take long walks when on a trip. If you are not used to it, you may start having blisters and foot pain. They may seem minor, but blisters can quickly become painful and even lead to infections.
Some prevention tips:
- Wear comfortable, broken-in shoes. Avoid using new shoes when you know your trip with require long walks. Leave your new shoes at home and break it in first.
- Bring blister prevention products.Moleskin or blister pads can help if you start feeling discomfort.
- Keep feet dry and clean.Moisture can contribute to blisters, so use powder or moisture-wicking socks if you’ll be walking a lot.
Travel is an amazing opportunity, but staying healthy on the road is essential to fully enjoy the experience. By taking simple preventive steps and being prepared for potential health issues, you can keep minor ailments from becoming major setbacks. Remember, knowledge is key: understanding common travel ailments and packing a small health kit can go a long way in ensuring a smooth, safe, and enjoyable trip.
Safe travels!