|
Many people who travel in foreign countries end up sick. You can end up with malaria, diarrhea, severe food/water poisoning (sometimes called Montezuma’s Revenge), yellow fever or dengue fever to name a few. This article will give the traveler practical advice on what to do before traveling abroad and what to do while you are there to avoid getting sick.
While traveling in foreign countries diarrhea is most often the health complaint. Usually it is a minor problem and the traveler is back to normal in a day or two. Sometimes it develops into a more difficult problem, such as blood in the stool or a fever, in which you must see a Doctor immediately. You will most likely be prescribed an antibiotic which will usually cure the problem. Before you go on a lengthy trip your doctor might give you a prescription of antibiotics to fill before you leave and instructions on when to use it.
To avoid diarrhea take these steps while in a foreign country: Avoid uncooked food, except fruits and vegetables which you can peel. Drink only bottle water and use it for brushing your teeth and washing hands. You should also keep your hand very clean by washing them through out the day or use a hand sanitizer. Drink bottled or canned soda and skip the ice cubes in drinks. Bring along oral-rehydration salts in case you get diarrhea anyway.
Before you leave, way before, find out what vaccinations you need. The government has a website for the Centers of Disease Control which outline the vaccinations needed for each country. Get the recommended shots at least a month before you take your trip. Many times it takes a month for a vaccination to take effect, that is why you must plan early for traveling.
It is a very good idea to bring a first-aid kit with you while you travel. Some items to include are: bandages, sunscreen, insect repellent, topical antibiotics, hand sanitizers, baby wipes, oral-rehydration salts, tweezers, pain medication, your personal medications, a list of your allergies, list of you personal medical conditions, your medications and the dosages, your doctor’s name and number.
While in tropical countries avoid being bitten by mosquitoes. You can get malaria, dengue fever and other tropical disease being transmitted by mosquitoes. There is not a vaccination for these diseases. Wear long sleeve shirts and pants and spray on insecticide at dusk and dark.
After you return home from a trip you still need to look for symptoms of disease. If you develop flu like symptoms that persist, see your doctor and tell him where you traveled.
All in all, it is extremely safe to travel in a foreign country as long as you are prepared and aware. As a matter of fact, your chances of being killed in a car accident in a foreign country are greater than that of getting a strange disease. So, it helps to learn the traffic laws and regulations of the country you are traveling in. And, don’t jaywalk!
| 
