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Cleanse vegetables with bottled water and peel fruits before consumption, regularly wash hands with alcohol or soap... will keep you healthy and strong when visiting unfamiliar places.
3 steps to avoid bacterial infection when traveling to foreign lands
Below are health care tips shared by Jane E. Brody, an American female traveler, about the practices she applies during her journeys.
Always use clean water
You should drink water or brush your teeth with bottled water. Another note is to not open your mouth when showering or swimming in a pool.
Utilize digestive support medication containing bismuth subsalicylate
Brody opted for this medication after reading a research article in the Journal of the American Medical Association in 1980. Dr. Herbert L. DuPont's study at the University of Texas, Houston, described the reduction in the risk of diarrhea when American students traveling to Mexico used this digestive support pill.
In a subsequent study published in 1987, Dr. DuPont and colleagues asserted that taking four pills a day would help reduce the risk of developing diarrhea by 65% (approximately 262 milligrams per pill).
During her trips to Vietnam, Thailand, Peru, Indonesia, India, and Nepal, Brody took a smaller dose. She remained entirely illness-free despite consuming salads and various fruits.
While in India and Nepal, a fellow traveler also used this medication. They were the only ones in the group who remained healthy, despite consuming foods that others avoided.
If considering a higher dosage as suggested by Dr. DuPont, it's advisable to consult a physician.
Moreover, to ensure good health, it's recommended to consume thoroughly cooked and hot foods only.
Clean vegetables and fruits with bottled water and peel them before eating. Also, don't forget to regularly wash your hands, especially before eating, using alcohol-based hand sanitizer or soap to remove bacteria.
Get medical information before heading out
You should update all the latest information on vaccinations for diseases such as measles, mumps, rubella, diphtheria, pertussis, tetanus, influenza, hepatitis, etc., for travelers at disease control and prevention centers of the country you plan to visit.
A trip with young children cannot go without sunscreen, insect repellent, antibiotic ointment, personal bandages, and motion sickness medication.
To prevent blood clots in children during long flights, parents should reserve seats near the aisle so that they can stand up and move around every hour. This also helps keep the knees and ankles constantly moving.
Although the risk of blood clots is often very low, you should not be complacent. Individuals over 40, pregnant women, or those with a family history of clotting disorders are prone to this condition. Medications containing estrogen also increase the risk. Seek further information or consult a doctor regarding this matter.
Even when traveling alone, don't forget to purchase insurance and carry all necessary medications, as nobody knows what might happen.
Carry your medical records or prescriptions for the condition you are treating along with some preventive medications, in case the trip extends longer than expected.
Some additional considerations
Avoid swimming in unsanitary freshwater bodies. While many animals may seem adorable, it's also essential to maintain a distance from them. Avoid touching or feeding them as some may carry rabies. If bitten by an animal, immediately wash the wound with soap and see a doctor afterwards if possible.
If you're planning to conquer altitudes higher than 2,000 meters, consult a doctor if you have a history of altitude sickness.
According to Zing News
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Reference: Travel guide by Mytour
MytourMarch 11, 2016
