Heading abroad will always be exciting, especially if you’re jetting off on vacation to somewhere exotic. While traveling overseas is exciting, it’s also important that you’re aware of the health risks. There are a number of health risks when visiting a different country, with some specific to certain areas of the world. This is why you should always research a destination ahead of time and keep up with the latest health guidance. This post will look at a few of the most common health risks to be aware of when visiting a new country. Read on to find out more.
COVID-19
Of course, COVID-19 is a consideration when traveling anywhere in the world these days. It’s important to read up on the situation in the destination that you’re traveling to and follow the latest guidance. It’s a good idea to get vaccinated, wear a mask in public places, socially distance, and wash your hands regularly (especially if levels are high).
Yellow Fever
Yellow fever is a serious and potentially fatal disease spread through infected mosquito bites. There are certain areas where yellow fever is prevalent, including South America and Africa, so it’s important to research if it’s an issue where you’re traveling. You should get the yellow fever vaccine to protect yourself, especially as it’s such a dangerous disease. You should also take steps to avoid mosquito bites, including wearing insect repellent, wearing clothes with long sleeves, and sleeping in a mosquito net.
Food & Water Issues
People often get sick when traveling abroad because of the food they eat. You’ll want to make sure that you’re eating food that has been properly prepared and cooked, so it’s smart to stick to reputable restaurants. Additionally, check to make sure that the tap water is safe to drink, and opt for bottled water if you’re ever in doubt.
Traveler’s Diarrhea
Following on from this, traveler’s diarrhea is common when visiting a country where your diet will be different from back home. Of course, trying new cuisines is an important part of any travel experience, but you may want to do this in moderation and ensure that you’re eating a healthy diet. You don’t want to have stomach problems and have this ruin your trip, so you need to be cautious when it comes to food.
Injuries
It’s more common for people to injure themselves on holiday than it is back home, especially if partaking in activities like cycling, hiking, and water sports. Therefore, you need to be wary of this and always be safe when doing any kind of potentially dangerous activity. You should also know basic first aid and carry a basic first aid kit, know who to contact in a medical emergency, and take out travel insurance.
These are a few of the main health risks that you face when traveling abroad. You don’t want a health issue to ruin your trip, so you must always know how to stay safe and read up on the specific health risks at your destination.
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