Common Health Risks While Traveling and How to Prevent Them

Written by Phalguni Sharma

July 21, 2023

Health | Safety | Travel

As fun, as travelling may seem, it does require taking good care of yourself. Numerous factors can influence a traveler’s well-being, such as weather fluctuations, water quality, prevalent diseases in the destination being visited, and overall hygiene conditions. It is essential to consider these aspects not to discourage your travel aspirations but rather to encourage adequate preparedness for any forthcoming challenges.

Wander game is all about taking the right steps and preventing the wrong ones. One major thing we have learned after COVID-19 is to be aware of any persistent diseases and stay vaccinated.

What are some common health risks while travelling?

While these risks need not be cause for undue alarm, taking precautionary measures to ensure safety is a prudent decision. It is important to acknowledge that seemingly carefree actions or practices can potentially lead to significant health issues.

  1. Food poisoning
  2. Infections
  3. Dehydration
  4. Diphtheria
  5. Influenza
  6. Measles
  7. Typhoid
  8. Malaria

Among different viruses and infections prevalent in different regions. Such as Zika Virus in Africa, Southeast Asia, etc. Do not go easy on yourself thinking these viruses aur only restricted to these places as they are found in all different places. 

Here are a few things to keep in mind to stay healthy and lively so you don’t throw away your travel time. 

  1. Stay Hydrated: Did you know that flying can result in dehydration? The air in the higher atmosphere contains very low humidity, typically ranging from 10% to 20%, whereas our bodies are more accustomed to humidity levels between 30% and 65%. Your body is more prone to getting various infections when your respiratory passages are dry. The simple solution to this problem is to stay hydrated by getting enough water to drink.
  1. Maintain Proper Hygiene: Your health is in your hands. Literally! It is a must to keep your hands clean to prevent any infections or diseases to catch you. As wild as you want to be while travelling, make sure to keep your hands clean, especially before having a meal. 
  1. Do Not Sacrifice on Your Sleep: Travelling can change your sleep schedule due to jetlags or other reasons. Do not exhaust yourself and spend some sleepless days to make the best use of your travel time. You will utilise it the best only when you are fresh and awake. 
  1. Protect your Skin: Repeat after us, “You will not go out without applying sunscreen!”. That should be your pledge if you want to travel and capture some fun pictures of yourself. Not only this, it prevents you from sunburns and skin damage, sunscreen is not all about preventing tan. It is a must-have in your travel kit.
  1. Mindful Eating: Though it is usually used for choosing the right meal, we would also like to add choosing the right place. Do not shy away from enjoying the street food, but be a bit choosy and careful while selecting a place to eat from. Make sure it’s hygienic and that your hands too are clean or sanitized. Ensure the food is freshly prepared and its ingredients are washed or hygienically stored. DO NOT EAT SOMETHING COOKED A WHILE AGO.
  1. Vaccinations: This cannot be stressed enough. A little carelessness can cost much more than your trip. Treat yourself right and get all the vaccinations required. 
  1. Carry a Personal Medical Kit: We know picking out what to take for your trip is a daunting task. But carrying some medicines you usually use will only make you confident and comfortable in your time of need. 
Telemedicine services Sitata
  1. Get Travel Insurance: Although you may take diligent steps to safeguard yourself during travel, the significance of travel insurance cannot be overstated, especially in circumstances beyond your control. Travel insurance serves as a crucial safety net, offering reassurance and support when unforeseen events occur. It is strongly recommended to carefully review the policy details to gain a comprehensive understanding of its coverage and benefits.

Also, why go for ordinary reactive insurance when you can have Sitata Travel Protection Plan? We aim to not only provide you with claims but also assist you with inconveniences like hotel cancellations, flight delays, etc, to not let your adventure spirit fade away. Check out our plan to know more.

You may also read: 

https://www.who.int/news-room/questions-and-answers/item/health-risks-when-traveling

https://www.rei.com/learn/expert-advice/health-concerns.html

https://uhs.princeton.edu/health-resources/travel-health-safety

https://www.pennmedicine.org/updates/blogs/health-and-wellness/2017/july/health-risks-of-flying

https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/001925.htm

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