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Staying healthy is one of the
most important things we wish for when we go
abroad. So, the most important health issue is
getting protected from all sort of diseases will
be our main priority. You can use this health
guide and health tips for a healthy travel.
Learn how to stay healthy during your vacations.
Pre-departure planning can be both exciting
and yet stressful at times. It can be thrilling
because it is a rare and precious luxury
while the amount of time taken to plan it
can be very hectic such as the
train or flight bookings, accommodations
bookings, labeling of luggage, packing of
important items and making sure everything both
at home and at the office is in place, for
example, making sure someone is there to pay the
bills on time, to feed the pets and water the
plants.
One thing that is
commonly forgotten is our protection against
disease. Amidst the swimsuits, hiking boots,
digital cameras, official documents, city maps,
sun block and extra clothing, protection
against disease is easily overlooked.
The most important thing is making sure you are
healthy before you start traveling. The next
important thing to know is that getting
a vaccination before your holiday can save you
time, money and inconvenience. Stated below is a
rundown on what you should consider before
starting your journey.
If you are going to
a country with a tropical weather and if warm
sandy beaches in undeveloped surroundings is
your cup of tea, you should consider getting
vaccinated against typhoid fever, which is
caused by the Salmonella Typhi bacteria
and hepatitis A. It is important to know that
both these illness are transmitted via the
stools of infected persons which sometimes
contaminate food and drinking water. Therefore
in underdeveloped countries where hygienic
infrastructure like clean running water is
lacking, the risk of transmission is very high.
By following the general rules stated below, the
chances of getting infected by disease will be
greatly reduced:-
-
Drink only
bottled drinking or mineral water or boil
the water for at least sixty seconds before
consuming.
-
Consume only hot
drinks or drinks without ice unless the ice
is made with bottled or boiled water.
-
Eat cooked food
only while it is still hot and steaming.
-
Eat raw fruits
and vegetables only if you can peel it
yourself while making sure your hands are
washed thoroughly before doing so.
-
Always try to
avoid questionable food sources like street
vendors or food that has been left in the
open.
-
Always try to
avoid eating raw or undercooked shellfish
and local seafood.
You are sure to be
surrounded by a large crowd when attending a
festival celebration or visiting popular tourist
attractions during the peak season. Or while you
are fulfilling your religious duty or visiting a
popular shrine, you too will be surrounded by
throngs of people, all eager to do exactly the
same thing you are doing. Under such
cramped and crowded conditions, infectious
diseases are rampant and easily passed along.
Remember that you are coming into contact with
people from all walks of life, ranging from the
most affluent societies to those stricken with
all forms of diseases like flu, chicken pox and
measles.
These viral
infections can be passed on via droplets that
are expelled when an infected person coughs or
sneezes, when sharing food and drink, by close
proximity or direct physical contact. In such
environment, it is advisable to:-
-
Wash your hands
frequently with soap and water.
-
Avoid touching
your eyes and mouth with your hands which
are the main routes of transmission.
-
Avoid sharing
food, drinks and eating utensils.
Visiting a country
during the colder seasons will increase your
chances of getting influenza because you are
more likely to go to areas with snow. In
countries with hot climate, influenza is
prevalent throughout the year while in countries
with four seasons, influenza peaks in winter as
people stay indoors more often thus causing the
reduction in air circulation since the majority
of people will be in close contact to one
another which allows the virus to pass more
easily from person to person. Children and
elderly people are most at risk of having severe
complications such as pneumonia but the threat
of illness is still a reality for everyone
regardless of age.
Influenza differs
from the common cold in several ways and its
symptoms are more severe which includes body
ache, fever and sore throat. These symptoms can
last for more than seven days but some people
may continue to feel unwell for many days after.
This will definitely interrupt your holiday
schedules. As the influenza virus mutates to
form several different strains, the World Health
Organization (WHO) issues yearly updates on the
prevalent strains of any given year.
Pharmaceutical companies then will tailor their
vaccines according to WHO recommendations, hence
flu vaccines should be taken yearly for optimal
protection. It is always advised to consult your
local doctor for professional advice before
setting foot on the plane to fly off to start
your vacations.
Other small details
travelers tend to forget is to check their teeth
before going for a long trip. Dental care is
also essential. It is advisable to
take a spare pair of glasses if you are wearing
one and also your prescription. Also, if you
require medication while on vacation,
remember to take an adequate supply as it may
not be available at the place you are going to.
Take part of the packaging showing the generic
name with you rather than the brand to make
getting a replacement easier. It is better to
have a letter from your doctor at all times
showing that you are legally using the
medication to avoid unnecessary confusion.
It is vital to make sure you
are protected from diseases in order to make your dream
holidays as perfect as possible.
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