Avoid Getting Sick When Traveling This Summer

Summer is the perfect time to explore new destinations and experience different cultures, but it's important to take precautions to avoid getting sick while traveling, especially when traveling out of the country. In this blog post, we will explore ways to avoid getting ill or sick while traveling and why it's important, especially for those living in border communities, such as Laredo and the Rio Grande Valley.

Why is avoiding illness while traveling important?

Illnesses contracted while traveling can have a significant impact on your health and wellbeing. They can ruin your trip and even lead to long-term health problems. Travelers, especially those with weakened immune systems, are at higher risk of contracting infectious diseases such as diarrhea, typhoid, hepatitis, and malaria. Therefore, taking precautions to avoid getting sick while traveling is crucial for your health and wellbeing.

How can you avoid getting ill or sick while traveling?

There are several steps you can take to avoid getting ill or sick while traveling:

1. Get vaccinated: Make sure you are up-to-date on your vaccinations before traveling. Depending on your destination, you may need additional vaccines, such as hepatitis A and B, typhoid, and yellow fever.
2. Practice good hygiene: Wash your hands frequently with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer. Avoid touching your face, especially your eyes, nose, and mouth. Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve when you cough or sneeze.
3. Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of clean water, especially when traveling to countries with poor sanitation. Avoid tap water, ice cubes, and raw fruits and vegetables that may have been washed with contaminated water.
4. Protect yourself from insects: Use insect repellent with DEET, wear long-sleeved shirts and pants, and use mosquito nets if necessary. Insects can transmit diseases such as malaria, dengue fever, and Zika virus.
5. Avoid street food and uncooked foods: Stick to hot, freshly cooked foods and avoid street food, uncooked fruits and vegetables, and unpasteurized dairy products, which may be contaminated with bacteria.

Data and statistics for border communities

According to the Texas Department of State Health Services, travelers from Texas are at higher risk of contracting infectious diseases, especially when traveling to countries with poor sanitation, such as Mexico and Central America. In border communities such as Laredo and the Rio Grande Valley, many residents travel to Mexico for work, family, or leisure. As a result, they may be at higher risk of contracting infectious diseases and should take precautions to avoid getting sick while traveling.

In conclusion, taking precautions to avoid getting ill or sick while traveling is crucial for your health and wellbeing, especially when traveling out of the country. By getting vaccinated, practicing good hygiene, staying hydrated, protecting yourself from insects, and avoiding street food and uncooked foods, you can reduce your risk of contracting infectious diseases and enjoy a safe and healthy trip. If you are planning to travel, talk to your doctor or a travel medicine specialist to learn more about the specific risks and precautions for your destination.

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