The holiday season is a chance to spend time together with family and friends. Despite it being a happy time, the holidays also coincide with one of the busiest travel times of the year– and crowded airports, cold weather, and stress can increase your chances of getting sick. Simply put, the more we travel, the more we put ourselves at risk of infection. This article highlights healthwise precautions you can adhere to be healthy while traveling.
For same-day travel health, come visit the walk-in clinic at AFC Urgent Care Union City. Our team provides immediate treatment for symptoms, as well as preventive healthcare like flu shots. Simply walk-in or plan your visit in advance below!
Tips For Preventing Illness While Traveling
Here are some practical steps to stay healthy:
- Before embarking on your trip, make time to get your annual flu shot. It’s one of the most effective ways to protect yourself and others from the flu, especially during peak season.
- Hand washing is one of the most straightforward, and effective, means by which illness can be prevented. If you’re unable to access a restroom, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer to kill germs.
- Surfaces like tray tables, seat belts, armrests, and overhead bin latches are bacterial and viral contamination sites. Disinfectant wipes may help contain microbial contagion.
- The use of a face mask can help defend against airborne and respiratory droplets, particularly in the flu season.
- Airplane cabins are very dry due to the lack of humidity and this can worsen and make your mucous membranes even drier so that your body becomes more sensitive to viruses. You should take a lot of water before and during the journey to maintain the immune system healthy and keep your body hydrated.
What to Do If You Start Feeling Sick Away from Home
If you feel a bit sick while traveling, here's how to help promote symptom relief and recovery:
1. Get Plenty of Rest: When you are tired or feverish, rest is important. It's natural to be worried about a day on vacation being wasted, but this definitely will prevent it from getting worse.
2. Stay Hydrated and Consume Healthy Diet: Drinking plenty of water may help the body combat against the viruses. Eating healthy foods such as fruits, vegetables, and soups provides the necessary vitamins and minerals for healing.
3. Take some medication: Cough medicines and painkillers reduce certain discomforts when down with flu or cold. Many stores or drug stores in different countries have these medicines, however, you should take note of the label and dosage when purchasing the medicines abroad.
4. Avoid Crowds: If you are sick, avoid mass gatherings as much as possible to limit the risk of infection to other individuals. This will also be beneficial in giving you as the sick person some relief by creating an area where you do not have exposure to germs which can worsen your condition.
