A holiday in a new, exotic locale can be very exciting and a lot of fun. However, picking up new, exotic germs is most certainly not. Read on to find out what precautions you should take to stay in good health while you travel.
You’ve been planning this getaway for months and finally, the day you’ve been waiting for has arrived! With bags packed and accommodation reserved, you head out with ticket and itinerary in hand. You have learned all you can about your destination from travel guides and are eagerly looking forward to the adventure ahead. It’s hard to imagine that anything could go wrong.
Travelling is supposed to be an enjoyable and enriching experience, but dealing with different time zones, unusual climate and exotic food can be disruptive to your regular sleep pattern, fitness routine and diet. You could also be at risk of contracting diseases that are common in your travel destination.
So, other than researching what to see, do and eat at your destination, it would be wise to do a little more homework and be prepared.
Getting the doctor’s green light
Depending on what your plans are, it may be a good idea to see your doctor before meeting your travel agent. Some countries require specific vaccinations or health clearance before issuing a travel visa. It’s also a good idea to keep yourself updated about the healthcare scenario in the part of the world you plan on visiting, for eg, if there are any disease outbreaks, the standard of healthcare, price and availability of medication, and so on.
The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) suggests finding out the required and recommended vaccines for your destination, and have them completed at least four to six weeks before any international travel. This allows the body sufficient time to build up immunity after vaccination.
This story is from the September 2017 edition of Health Today Malaysia.
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This story is from the September 2017 edition of Health Today Malaysia.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
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