Healthcare When on Travel

Traveling is always an activity that opens us new windows to the world. It is always good to explore other worlds to open up our perspectives. Traveling has become even more common with the onset of a globalized economy. Well-traveled people always have a balanced perspective of things. But well-traveled people will also vouch for something – taking precaution before, while and after travel.

Countries differ from each other geo-politically, geographically, socio-economically, culturally and so on. When traveling to another country, one of the most important things that you need to take care is your health.

Here are the necessary tips:

- Vaccinate yourself against all possible diseases like influenza, polio, hepatitis etc. Tell your doctor that you are going on travel, and ask him to provide you a list of all possible vaccinations. You can check with a travel consultant who can give you more information about all the necessary medical precautions to take before travel. Learn how to give yourself first aid.

- Try to learn swimming. Enroll for swimming classes, and at least learn how to float.

- When on travel, drink only boiled water. Do not drink water provided in hotels or restaurants. Try to carry a branded mineral water bottle wherever you go. Do not even dare to drink water from open taps.

- Do not eat street-food, as it can be potentially unhygienic.

- Carry a mini hand wash sachet with you. Always wash your hands thoroughly before and after food. Try to use a hand wash that has alcohol content in it. Cleaning your hands is an important activity because at most times it’s the hands that have access to the mouth.

- Try not to touch street dogs or any domestic pets. This will prevent you from getting any potential rabid-bites.

- Stay away from sex workers when on travel. Don’t indulge in casual sex. This will reduce your risk of contracting sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).

- Get yourself a medical health insurance that covers risks at overseas places as well, and includes medical evacuation.

- Visit the state departments site and register yourself. Provide your contact details. This will help keep the state department posted on your whereabouts and will enable them to contact you in times of emergency.