In May 2024 we published one practical guide: "Stay Healthy While Traveling: Tips for Avoiding Fever and Sickness." It focuses on simple, actionable steps you can use before and during a trip to lower your chance of getting sick and what to do if you start running a fever.
Start with a short checklist. Check routine vaccines and any destination-specific shots—ask your doctor or a travel clinic. Get a flu shot if you’ll travel during flu season and confirm your COVID and other routine shots are current. Pack a week’s worth of any prescription meds and a copy of each prescription. Add a small digital thermometer, a bottle of hand sanitizer (60% alcohol or higher), oral rehydration salts, and basic OTC meds like acetaminophen or ibuprofen.
Make a plan for care: save local emergency numbers, locate the nearest clinic or hospital at your destination, and buy travel insurance or telehealth access if you don’t already have it. If you’re prone to travel stomach issues, ask your clinician about a prescription for traveler’s diarrhea treatment and whether a short course of antibiotics or probiotics is right for you.
Small habits matter. Wash hands often, especially before eating. Use hand sanitizer when sinks aren’t available. On planes and trains, wipe armrests and tray tables with disinfectant wipes and avoid touching your face. Stay hydrated—carry a refillable bottle and drink water regularly. Sleep when you can; tired bodies handle germs worse.
Food choices matter. Prefer hot, freshly cooked meals and peeled fruit. Avoid raw salads, street ice, and anything that smells off. If you get stomach upset, use oral rehydration salts to prevent dehydration and stick to bland, cooked foods until you recover.
If a fever starts, measure it and treat symptoms with acetaminophen or ibuprofen if you normally tolerate those. Monitor severity: seek medical care if your temperature hits about 39°C (102°F), you have trouble breathing, severe dehydration, persistent vomiting, blood in stool, or a fever that doesn’t ease with basic treatment. Use telehealth if you can’t reach a clinic—many services can guide you and prescribe meds remotely.
Travel doesn’t have to mean getting sick. Follow a clear pre-trip plan, stick to good hygiene and food-safety habits on the road, and pack a focused first-aid kit. Want the full checklist and more tips? Read the full May 2024 post on Canadaprescriptionsplus.com for step-by-step packing lists and exact items to carry for common travel problems.
This article offers practical advice on how to stay healthy while traveling. It covers everything from preparing before the trip, staying safe on the journey, and what to do if you get sick. Learn tips on hydration, hygiene, and choosing the right food to keep your immune system strong. Stay informed to enjoy your travels without the worry of illness.