Your good health is paramount while traveling
and taking simple precautions can drastically reduce your chances
of falling ill.
Health Insurance
An insurance package that covers your health, possessions and
cancellations is imperative.
Immunizations
Immunizations are critical – especially if you are planning to
visit 3rd world countries. Many immunizations require a specific
time period to take effect or require certain follow-up shots
– so plan well ahead. You should record any immunization shots
received on an official health certificate as this is often a
requirement of visa applications.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention can advise you
on the current recommendations for your intended destination.
General
Food and water are one of the leading causes of illness for travelers.
These simple tips can drastically reduce your chances of illness:
- If the water is suspect, don’t take the risk. This includes
ice, food washed and prepared in the water and swimming pools.
Buy bottled water or boil/sterilize existing water.
- Only consume fruit and vegetables that can be pealed or are
protected by an outer skin (bananas, oranges, pineapple etc)
- Wash you hands thoroughly before all meals.
- When purchasing meat and seafood, look for proper refrigeration.
- Cooked food is generally safer for consumption. Raw and undercooked
food can carry an array of pathogens.
- Be wary of un-pasteurized milk and milk products
- The National Center for Infectious Diseases publishes informative
traveler’s health information. Food and drink risks can be accessed
through: http://www.cdc.gov/travel/food-drink-risks.htm
Insect Bites
Be sure to cover up with insect repellant – especially when traveling
the tropics. Spray on repellant with DEET will offer you the greatest
protection. Use mosquito nets while sleeping. Also, be sure to
research whether insect carried diseases are a problem where you
intend to travel.
Sunburn
Many of us travel to find a spot in the sun but overexposure can
cause severe sunburn. Stay in the shade during extreme burn times
and use plenty of sun block. When choosing sun block, check the
SPF Factor and the brand. SPF 30+ is recommended when traveling
down-under.
Article by Travel J - Traveler's Resources & Information - http://www.travelj.com
About the Author
Sarah Moore has been in the travel and tourism industry for
over 20 years and is currently working with one of the worlds
largest coach networks. Sarah is also the webmaster of TravelJ
- A Traveler's Resources & Information Network - http://www.travelj.com
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