Travel Troubles: How to Handle Common Illnesses on the Go

According to the latest data provided by the UN world Tourism Organization, the number of international tourists is continuously increasing. For the travellers, long term air travel may cause deep vein thrombosis. In addition, heat illness, sun exposure, and diarrhea problems are also very common.

Heat Illness

Your chances of getting heat-related illness during travel depend on your destination, activities, level of hydration. Learn how to prevent and treat heat-related illness.

Follow These Tips to Stay Safe in the Heat

• Drink plenty of non-alcoholic fluids.
• Wear sunscreen with SPF 15 or higher and reapply every two hours or follow instructions on the package.
• Wear a hat and sunglasses.
• Wear loose, lightweight, light-colored clothing.
• Rest often and try to stay in the shade when outdoors.

Symptoms of heat-related illness include:

• excessive thirst
• profuse sweating
• headache
• dizziness or confusion
• nausea

If you or anyone you are traveling with has these symptoms, get out of the sun immediately and try to cool off with a fan, air conditioning, or by getting in cool water. Also, drink cool, non-alcoholic beverages such as water or sports drinks with electrolytes.

Sun Exposure

When you are outdoors, your UV exposure is prolonged. You are at risk for both sunburns and sun damage. Learn how to treat the sunburn during travel below.

• Take aspirin, acetaminophen, or ibuprofen to relieve pain, headache, and fever.
• Drink plenty of water.
• Use a topical moisturizing cream or aloe to provide additional relief.
• If your skin blisters, lightly bandage or cover the area with gauze to prevent infection. Do not break blisters as that would slow healing and increase your risk of infection. Apply antiseptic ointment if blisters break.

Seek medical attention if you have a severe sunburn, especially if it covers more than 15% of your body, are dehydrated, have a high fever, or are in extreme pain that lasts more than 48 hours.

Travelers' Diarrhea

Diarrhea is rarely serious or life-threatening, but it can make a trip very unpleasant.

Learn some ways to treat travelers’ diarrhea

• Drink lots of fluids

If you get diarrhea, drink lots of fluids to stay hydrated. In serious cases of travelers’ diarrhea, oral rehydration solution.

• Only take antibiotics if needed

If you take antibiotics, take them exactly as your doctor instructs. If severe diarrhea develops soon after you return from your trip, see a doctor and ask for stool tests

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