Traveling can be the most wonderful experience in the world. We taste delicious new food, we know places, people, cultures, traditions, visit historical monuments, go shopping and many other activities. But, while planning your trip, you should consider that depending on the place you visit, there is risks of accidents or suffer certain diseases. We can get infected without even realizing and knowing what the symptoms are. These types of diseases are known as travelers’ diseases.
We have prepared a list of the most common and the best way for you to prevent them. Make the most of your trip and remember that by being careful you can present any unwanted complication:
These are some of the places and ways you can get easily infected by one of these diseases: Area you visit, Behavior you have on your trip, Duration of your trip, Place where you stay, Propose of your trip, Water and food consumption, Those things mentioned above as what we identify as risk factors, some of the main group of diseases you can catch are:
Water and food diseases: Some of the most common diseases transmitted by the consumption of contaminated food or water include: diarrhea, gastrointestinal infections, typhoid fever, cholera and hepatitis A. How to avoid this: Always keep in mind that you must verify and check the hygiene of foods and beverages you consume.
Insect transmitted diseases : Mosquitos’ bites and other local insects can transmit you various diseases, among which you will find: malaria, yellow fever, dengue, chikungunya and viral encephalitis. How to avoid this: Don’t forget to constantly put on insect repellent and wear long-sleeved shirts to avoid any possibility of bites.
Infectious diseases: If a wild animal bits you or you have had unprotected sexual activities, or even blood contact, you have a change of catching: rabies, HIV, hepatitis B, hepatitis C, tuberculosis, chickenpox, among others. How to avoid this: Try avoiding contact with wild animals, potentially contaminated needles and always, always, use a condom during casual sex.
These are some of the most common, but there are other preventive measures you can take. You can have a medical consultation on the spot with a specialist doctor two months before your trip and as soon as you return.
Research about the place you will visit and the diseases you could be exposed too. This way you can know and take the necessary vaccines or reinforce those you already have.
A proper first aid kit for common diseases, like analgesics, anti-diarrhea, oral rehydration salts, anti-inflammatories, antihistamines, laxatives, repellent, antacids, thermometer, treatment for burns, bandages, gauze, syringes, needles, scissors and tweezers, should always be part of your luggage.
Also, try not walking around barefoot; wear proper shoes to prevent infections from parasites, snake bites and by doing so avoiding any change of an injury to get infected.
Remember, some diseases can be prevented with vaccines, others only require a little common sense. Enjoy your journey, be prepared and alert at all times to risks and avoid you or any of your family from getting sick while traveling.
ALFA