Getting Sick While Travelling: Apps and Tips for Preparing for the Worst Case Scenario

When you go travelling abroad or even on holiday for a few weeks, getting ill is the last thing you want to happen. But it is a risk that all travellers face.

Fortunately, there are preventative measures that you can take to stay healthy on the road and prepare for the worst case scenario.

Before You Go

Part of reducing your chances of getting ill involves preparing well in advance. Depending on where you go, you may need to get a number of vaccinations, and in some destinations you will need lots. Find out from your doctor at least six months before travelling.

Remember your medications if you take any, especially your prescription medications. You don’t want to get stuck overseas without these, so pack what you need.

Take sun protection if you are going somewhere hot, including a hat and sunscreen. Sunstroke can be a big problem, and getting burnt can be very painful, so don’t let yourself get too much exposure.

Also research the dangers before you go so you are aware of the risks specific to your destination. You can find these out from other travellers and travel guidebooks, and then you can plan appropriately. For example, swimming in certain lakes in Africa could bring a risk of bilharzia, so you need to know this before you go.

If you are taking a smartphone, there are also a number of apps you may want to take. These include TravelSmart, a free app that uses GPS to provide you with emergency numbers for your destination and provides details of hospitals in over 100 countries. Or ICE (In Case of Emergency) which stores your medical records in the app including your blood type, allergies and any vaccinations you have had.

Tips While Travelling

You also need to take precautions while travelling, and one of the most sensible things to do is avoid tap water. Tap water may not be completely safe, and even if the locals drink the water, it may have bacteria in it that would upset your tummy. Buy bottled water instead to avoid the risk.

Also be wary of food washed in tap water, and especially salads. You should also try to choose better restaurants to eat out in. And remember, if you get ill from a restaurant, you could file a claim, which you can find out more about here.

Try to get enough sleep, and this can help you to keep your energy levels up. It can be difficult when you have jet lag or when you are somewhere new and exciting, but avoid getting exhausted because this can affect your immune system.

Take hand sanitizers with you wherever you go in the form of alcohol gel or alcohol wipes. Sometimes finding soap and water is not possible when you need it, so this will help.

What to Do Should Things Go Wrong

If you do become sick it can be worrying. If the problem is not serious, you may just need to relax and stay in bed. If you have diarrhoea, make sure you avoid becoming dehydrated by drinking water and perhaps using a rehydration kit.

If the problem looks serious or you do not get better after a few days, find your nearest doctor or hospital. Contact your insurance provider to let them know, and provide your policy details to the hospital. Having a list of recommended doctors and hospitals in advance is a great idea so you don’t have to look for one while you are ill.

Reduce Your Chances of Getting Ill Abroad

Getting ill at any time can be a distressing experience, but it can be even worse when you are in a foreign country. Follow these tips to prepare for your trip and deal with any situation properly should the worst come to the worst, and enjoy your travels overseas.

David Cooper works in product development within the tech industry. He enjoys the opportunity to write about developments and ideas online. His insights can be found on a number of different websites.