Traveling can be an awesome, life-changing experience – and the last thing you want to happen when you’re on foreign land is to get sick. Not only can this ruin your trip, but it could end up having longer term effects as well.
What is there to do if you get sick while traveling? We have gathered some tips for you – so read on and find out more.
Do your research
Don’t leave home without knowing whether or not your insurance company will cover you while abroad, what your options are, and what is the embassy phone number. These things can be complete life-savers when you’re abroad and sick, especially if you’re on a tougher situation than an average cold or anything of the sort. Do your research before you leave and keep your insurance, your ID, and your emergency contact in handy throughout the trip.
Ask for local medical assistance
In some cases, local pharmacists and doctors know best what to do to help you, especially if you got hurt by something that’s very common at that particular location. For example, if you’re at the beach and you get stung by a jellyfish, the nearest pharmacy will most likely be able to help you. This is a common issue in the area, so the pharmacist there will automatically know what type of medication to give you.
Take a small first aid kit with you
When traveling, don’t forget to pack away some of the basics as well – band aids, disinfectant, ibuprofen, and other basics medications you might need if you get sick. Although there will be pharmacies where you go (most likely, at least), it’s easier to just use what you have in your luggage, rather than buy something new (and which might be slightly different than what you and your body are used with).
Stay safe
Prevention is the best treatment in any kind of sickness, anywhere in the world you may be. Stay generally safe and know what dangers you’re exposed to when you travel to a particular country. Not that you should obsessively think of those dangers and make your entire trip feel stressful – but being aware of the things that might go wrong is very important because it will help you prevent unfortunate situations, as well as know what to do if anything bad happens.
Aside from the particularities of each country (which you should definitely know before you embark on your trip), always keep your common sense in handy as well. Not eating in places that do not meet the basic sanitary needs, not going too off-the-track when visiting the surrounding areas of a city – these are just a couple of things your common sense will dictate.
Other than that, live your travels as the amazing experience they are! Don’t be stressed out something bad might happen, but be prepared to face any kind of situation you may encounter – it’s the healthiest attitude you can have!