Travel well
By Allison McCrory Photo provided by Baptist Health Care
Illustration by Getty Images
When traveling this summer and fall, common sense may be your best medicine, according to Baptist Health Care Nurse Practitioner Megan Carpenter.
“The most overlooked factors in travel health are hydration, rest and moderation. Over-scheduling, excess alcohol and poor sleep often contribute just as much to illness as germs do. Listen to your body — if you feel run down, build in recovery time,” said Carpenter, who practices at Baptist’s Airport location. “Prevention is always easier than treating an illness away from home.”
Respiratory infections from airplane exposure and crowded spaces, dehydration, travelers’ diarrhea from contaminated food or water, motion sickness and sunburn and heat exhaustion are the most common travel-related ailments popping up in Carpenter’s clinic.
International travelers might consider preparing the gut microbiome for invading bacteria, new foods and a disrupted schedule by taking a regimen of probiotics before, during and after travel. Strict hand hygiene and avoiding touching the face are also good ideas, advised Carpenter.
“Exposure to unfamiliar pathogens can increase the risk of illness, particularly in different regions or countries,” she said.
While the weeks and days prior to travel are often busy, be sure to optimize sleep, exercise and hydration to strengthen the immune system. Ensure vaccinations are up to date and check destination-specific vaccine requirements and Centers for Disease Control travel recommendations.
If the getaway includes air travel, hydrate well to counter dry airplane cabins, move every hour or two to minimize blood clot risk and consider compression socks. Keep hand sanitizer handy and apply it frequently, especially after touching shared surfaces. Wear a mask for extra protection.
Hitting the open road? Take breaks every two to three hours to stretch and walk. Avoid excess fast food by packing healthy snacks such as nuts, fruit and protein bars as well as filtered water.
Maintain good posture to prevent back and neck strain.
If traveling with children, keep a consistent sleep and meal schedule as much as possible, pack familiar snacks to avoid sudden dietary changes, wash hands frequently and hydrate — a lot!
“Dehydration happens quickly in kids,” Carpenter noted.
Megan Carpenter’s Tips for Staying Healthy on the Go
Wash hands frequently or use sanitizer
Drink only safe, clean water
Eat foods that are well-cooked and served hot
Look for foods and drinks in sealed containers
Stay hydrated (especially in warm climates or on flights)
Use sunscreen and pace outdoor activity
Avoid During International Travel
Tap water (unless confirmed safe)
Ice cubes in high-risk areas
Raw or undercooked meat/seafood
Unwashed fruits/vegetables
Packable Health Kit Essentials
Hand sanitizer and disinfecting wipes
Basic first-aid supplies (bandages, antiseptic)
Pain relievers/fever reducers (acetaminophen or ibuprofen)
Anti-diarrheal medication
Oral rehydration salts or electrolyte packets
Motion sickness medication if needed
Prescription medications (plus extras)
Thermometer
Sunscreen and insect repellent
