Introduction
Going on vacation is an exciting time full of exploration, relaxation, and fun. But nobody wants to get sick while they’re away from home. Unfortunately, it’s not unusual for travelers to experience some sort of illness during their trips, whether it’s a cold, the flu, or something else. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to reduce your risk of getting sick on vacation and ensure that you have a safe and healthy journey.
Get Vaccinated
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that all travelers get vaccinated before going on vacation. Depending on where you’re going, this could include vaccines like hepatitis A and B, rabies, Japanese encephalitis, yellow fever, and more. Getting vaccinated will help protect you from illnesses that can be common in certain areas. For example, according to the CDC, travelers to Thailand should consider getting vaccinated for Japanese encephalitis and rabies due to the prevalence of these diseases in the region.
Getting vaccinated can also help protect the people around you. According to the World Health Organization, “vaccines are one of the most cost-effective ways of avoiding disease – they not only protect vaccinated individuals, but also help reduce the spread of infectious diseases.” So if you’re traveling to an area with high rates of a particular illness, getting vaccinated can help protect not only yourself, but also the people living in the area.
Wash Hands Often
One of the best ways to avoid getting sick while traveling is to wash your hands often. According to the CDC, you should wash your hands after using the bathroom, before eating, and after touching surfaces that could be contaminated. It’s also important to wash your hands after coming into contact with animals or animal waste. And don’t forget to wash your hands when you arrive at your destination and before you leave.
When washing your hands, use soap and warm water and scrub your hands for at least 20 seconds. The CDC recommends singing “Happy Birthday” twice to make sure you’re washing your hands for long enough. You should also make sure to thoroughly rinse and dry your hands when you’re done.
Take Hand Sanitizer With You
Hand sanitizer is another great way to reduce your risk of getting sick while traveling. Since it’s not always possible to wash your hands with soap and water, having hand sanitizer with you can help keep your hands clean and germ-free. Make sure to pack a travel-sized bottle of hand sanitizer and keep it in an easy-to-reach place so you always have it on hand.
It’s also important to use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. The CDC recommends using a product that says “alcohol-based” on the label. This type of hand sanitizer is effective at killing germs and reducing your risk of getting sick.
Avoid Tap Water
Tap water can contain bacteria and other contaminants that can make you sick. To reduce your risk of getting sick, it’s important to avoid drinking tap water while traveling. Instead, opt for bottled water or water that has been boiled for at least one minute. You should also avoid drinks made with tap water, such as ice cubes and fountain drinks.
When brushing your teeth, it’s also important to use bottled or boiled water. This will help ensure that you don’t accidentally swallow any contaminated water.
Eat at Clean Restaurants
Eating at clean restaurants is another important step in avoiding getting sick on vacation. Before eating at a restaurant, make sure to check for signs of cleanliness, such as clean tables, floors, and bathrooms. You should also look for a hygiene rating from the local health department. If a restaurant has a low hygiene rating, it’s best to avoid it and find somewhere else to eat.
It’s also important to watch how the food is prepared. According to the World Health Organization, “food should be cooked thoroughly, served hot and eaten immediately.” Eating freshly cooked food helps reduce your risk of getting sick from bacteria or other contaminants.
Stay Away From Street Food
Street food can be delicious, but it can also be a source of contamination and illness. In many countries, street vendors may not have access to refrigeration, running water, or other resources needed to safely prepare and store food. To reduce your risk of getting sick, it’s best to avoid street food and opt for food from restaurants instead.
If you do decide to try street food, make sure to inspect it closely. Look for signs of contamination, such as flies or dirt, and avoid food that looks or smells questionable. You should also make sure to eat the food while it’s still hot and avoid eating leftovers.
Avoid Contact With Animals
Coming into contact with animals can be a lot of fun, but it can also increase your risk of getting sick. Some animals, such as cats and dogs, can carry parasites and other illnesses that can be passed on to humans. To reduce your risk of getting sick, it’s important to avoid contact with animals while traveling.
If you do come into contact with animals, make sure to wash your hands with soap and water afterwards. It’s also important to avoid touching animals with your bare hands and to avoid eating or drinking near animals.
Conclusion
No one wants to get sick while on vacation, but unfortunately it’s a common occurrence. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to reduce your risk of getting sick and have a safe and healthy journey. By getting vaccinated, washing your hands often, avoiding tap water, eating at clean restaurants, staying away from street food, and avoiding contact with animals, you can help ensure that you don’t get sick while traveling.
So if you’re planning a trip, make sure to follow these tips to help prevent getting sick and ensure that you have a fun and enjoyable vacation.
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