How To Prevent Illness And Carry Meds While Traveling

Illness and other medical issues confront most travelers during or after travel, several medical studies say. It may then be wise to listen to doctors’ advice about boosting one’s immune system before leaving home, taking precautions while traveling and using the best procedures to carry medications.

A 2017 study published in the Journal of Travel Medicine reported that 64%-87% of travelers, based on five previous studies, became ill during or after travel. The 2017 study also warned: “As international travel increases, travelers may be at increased risk of acquiring infectious diseases not endemic in their home countries. “

Dr. Karla Robinson, the medical edtor for GoodRX, explains how to boost one’s immune system prior to travel.

“To help strengthen your body’s natural defenses, focus on maintaining a balanced diet rich in nutrients, staying physically active and prioritizing quality sleep,” Robinson says. “Avoiding smoking and limiting alcohol consumption are also important. Both can weaken your immune system and reduce its ability to protect you effectively.”

Preparing for a trip can be stressful, which could further strain the immune system, Robinson says. To reduce stress, deploy self-care practices such as deep breathing exercises, spend time outdoors and engage in activities that are relaxing in the days prior to a trip, she says.

“Keep in mind that there are no shortcuts or miracle cures,” Robinson adds. “Building a strong immune system takes time, so adopting healthy habits well before your trip is key to reducing your risk of illness while traveling.”

At airports, on airplanes and after arrival at a travel destination, simple steps can prevent illness. Wear a face mask in airports and planes to reduce the risk of respiratory infections, Robinson says. Carry hand sanitizer and cleaning wipes, and use them often, especially after touching shared surfaces or before eating, The wipes can also be used to clean shared surfaces in seating areas and aircraft tray tables, armrests and seat belt buckles.

“Once you arrive at your destination, it’s important to take precautions based on the specific conditions of the local environment,” Robinson says. “If you’re traveling to a destination with poor water quality, take precautions to reduce the risk of traveler’s diarrhea by sticking to bottled water, avoiding ice cubes and being mindful of food prep by street vendors.”

Diarrhea is the most common travel-related illness, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “It can occur anywhere, but the highest-risk destinations are in Asia (except for Japan and South Korea), as well as the Middle East, Africa, Mexico and Central and South America,” the CDC says on its website.

At tropical destinations or areas with high rates of illnesses transmitted by mosquitos, use insect repellent and consider mosquito nets, Robinson says.

If you have medicines that require refrigeration, bring a soft insulated travel case, such as an insulated lunch bag, and put it in your carry-on baggage, says Stacia Woodcock, a pharmacist who is the pharmacy editor for GoodRx. Put gel-based ice packs in the insulated bag, because they are best to avoid issues with carry-on bag screeners.

“I also recommend wrapping the medication in a small towel or bubble wrap to prevent it from directly touching the ice pack,” she adds. “It’s also a good idea to bring a couple of empty Ziploc bags that you can fill with ice from the plane’s drink cart and add to your cooler if needed during a long flight.”

Traveling abroad with medications can be tricky, because regulations vary in each country, Woodcock says. Some countries won’t allow a large quantity of certain medications into the country or ban medications commonly used in the United States.

“For example, you can’t bring some FDA-approved medications like Sudafed (pseudoephedrine) or stimulant ADHD medications (such as Adderall) into Japan,” she says. “Some countries may also require you to apply in advance to bring certain medications. Always check with your destination’s U.S. embassy to get the most up-to-date guidance.”