Summer is almost here, which means it’s time to pack your bags for some well-deserved rest. But whether you’re traveling alone, with a partner or with extended family, there’s one thing you can’t avoid: germs. As people travel, they carry, collect, and leave behind all sorts of things that can cause illness. And yes, despite the warmer climate, there is there are still a lot of bugs out there.
But it’s not just the risk of returning home with a cold – or spending the entire trip at the beach in the bathroom – that you should be worried about. Vacation time also often means letting your guard down when it comes to daily safety practices — or letting your healthy sleep, diet, and hydration habits fall by the wayside.
So what’s the best way to stay safe and healthy while traveling this summer? Here’s what experts advise.
What should I take?
Yes, your phone charger is important and you don’t want to leave the house without that new swimsuit. But these items are easily replaceable, unlike the prescription medications you rely on or other healthcare items you may not have easy access to during your travels. This is what experts suggest keeping on hand.
Doctor’s prescription
“In general, you want to carry any personal medications in their original bottles with clear, easy-to-read labels and directions,” Dr. S. Wesley Long, medical director of Diagnostic Microbiology at Houston Methodist Hospital, told Yahoo Life. And if you use any medications that may be considered a controlled substance, Long recommends thoroughly researching the local laws of your destination. If you’re unsure about the rules, he also recommends contacting the U.S. Consulate for guidance.
As experts previously told Yahoo Life, bringing prescription medications can require extra planning if you expect to run out of supplies mid-trip. In most cases, you can arrange with your doctor and pharmacist to get an early refill, but it’s best not to leave this until the last minute.
If you are traveling to a region where malaria is a concern, your doctor may prescribe malaria pillswhich, in many cases, you will need to start taking weeks before your trip.
Over-the-counter medicine
“Wherever you travel, you’ll probably want to take common over-the-counter medications like anti-inflammatories or fever reducers, allergy medications, anti-diarrheal medications, and things of that nature,” says Long.
Dr William Quealeinternist, also recommends discussing the possibility of getting an antibiotic with your doctor to treat traveler’s diarrhea if this is a concern in the area you plan to visit.
First aid items
Accidents happen and you don’t want to be unprepared. Queale recommends bringing a travel first aid kit that includes items like bandages, antibiotic ointment, gauze, tweezers, hand sanitizer, and more.
Sleep hygiene products
Lack of sleep can have a direct impact on your immune system, so maintaining good sleeping habits is equally important while on vacation. Queale recommends packing items like a sleep mask, ear plugs, and supplements like melatonin or magnesium to help with sleep disruptions or the effects of jet lag.
Insect repellent
Depending on where you’re traveling, Queale suggests bringing an insect repellent with DEET to avoid tick bites that can cause Lyme disease or other tick-borne illnesses. The Red Cross offers additional tips to avoid insect bites, including wearing long-sleeved shirts and pants and even tucking pant legs into socks and boots.
Healthy snacks
A poor diet can also negatively affect your immune system, so ensuring healthy snacks is always a good idea. This may be especially important for those with special dietary needs, including individuals with food allergies and those in risk of hypoglycemia.
Bottle of water and electrolyte solutions
“It is very important to stay hydrated with water, in addition to a good quality diet. electrolyte solution, especially if you practice outdoor activities,” says Queale. This is vital for anyone traveling to a higher altitude than they are used to due to changes in fluid retention and potential electrolyte imbalances. Not all tap water is safe to drink, so opt for bottled water during your trip. It’s also a good idea to avoid ice in drinks if you’re unsure of the source of the water.
Sunscreen
Sunburn and even sun poisoning They are a real risk, which is why sunscreen is always recommended, especially if you are going to spend a lot of time outdoors. Choose a high-quality sunscreen with a high SPF (30 or higher) and reapply as needed (about every two hours, or more often if you’ve been in the water or sweating a lot).
Are there any vaccines I should take before traveling?
Our experts recommend staying up to date on all routine immunizations, including Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and whooping cough), MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) and polioas well as the latest flu and COVID boosters.
“Hepatitis A vaccine It’s also a good idea if traveling to remote areas where food and water contamination is possible,” adds Queale. “Certain regions require specific vaccines, such as yellow fever, typhoid fever, rabies, meningitis and Japanese encephalitis. You should consult your doctor or a travel medicine clinic before traveling to any area outside the US.”
It’s important to note that over the past year, measles outbreaks in the U.S. and abroad (particularly in England) have led health experts to emphasize the importance of getting the vaccine if you haven’t already. And just this week, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention urged travelers to Saudi Arabia to be up to date with your meningococcal vaccinations.
Where should I read about health alerts?
Experts recommend checking for travel health warnings on the CDC website, which contains up-to-date travel information. If COVID-19 is a particular concern, the World Health Organization has a global panel track recent case counts.
“Furthermore, the CDC Yellow Book It’s a wealth of information for travelers, including information for specific populations or traveling with pets and a wide variety of topics,” says Long.
Is my hotel room or Airbnb safe?
While you may have read some horror stories about Airbnbs and hotels and their general cleanliness, Queale says most travelers probably don’t need to worry too much. However, he recommends using antiseptic wipes for high-touch surfaces like remote controls, bedside lamp switches, and sinks. You should also wash or completely avoid glass in your bedroom.
Please be aware that there have been a number of cases related to carbon monoxide poisoning in Airbnbs due to a lack of detectors. While these cases are not common, it is always possible to travel with your own personal carbon monoxide detector for peace of mind.
How can I avoid germs on public transport?
“Most forms of public transportation (planes, trains, buses) are safe and clean, but if you have respiratory problems you may want to wear an N95 mask to minimize exposure to viral particles and air pollutants,” says Queale. You can always choose to travel with a personal air purifier.
“No matter the means of transportation, the best way to stay healthy is to wash your hands frequently, especially before and after eating, using the bathroom, traveling by vehicle or [visiting] public spaces with lots of high-touch surfaces (doorknobs, handrails, etc.),” adds Long.
What else can I do?
Don’t want a bug to ruin your free time? Avoid large crowds and avoid standing or sitting near people who are obviously sick whenever possible.
And if your vacation involves a pool, beach, or any other body of water, remember to follow water safety rules. This includes using flotation devices as needed, avoiding excess alcohol before swimming, and watching rip currents.
