Emergencies seem to always happen when you are away from home and away from your usual doctor. Of course! Even when you are on vacation, there are steps you can take to avoid letting a health issue ruin a holiday or vacation. Here are a few tips on handling some health issues that can creep up on vacation:
Common Cold
Traveling weakens the immune system, making it easier to get sick. To avoid getting sick or to get better after you’ve become sick, it is important to stay hydrated, get enough rest, and eat healthy food. Also, consider a flu shot before traveling to hedge your bets.
Altitude and Motion Sickness
Traveling somewhere with a high altitude can lead to altitude sickness due to a change in the oxygen levels. This can be combated by exercising in advance to prepare your body for a higher altitude. Motion sickness is caused by an inner ear disturbance caused by a repeated motion such as riding a boat, flying in a plane or driving in a car. Even those not normally susceptible to motion sickness can experience symptoms when they least expect it. All travel kits should have an over the counter motion sickness medication just in case.
Local Illness
Some countries have native illnesses or conditions that visitors are not immune to fighting. It’s necessary to stay updated on flu outbreaks, one can check the U.S. Department of State site for country information, travel alerts, health alerts, entry and exit requirements, and more.
Gastrointestinal Problems
When it’s a holiday or you are on vaccination it is a rotation of rich food with saturated fats, high sugar levels, salt. These may lead to gastrointestinal problems like nausea/vomiting, food poisoning, lactose intolerance, and diarrhea. Try to follow careful eating, look for healthy swaps, and try to have balance meals.
Alcohol and Drug Abuse
It is not a wonder that alcohol and drug abuse is on our vacation medical emergencies list. Emergency room appointments for injuries associated with alcohol usage have been raised according to the National Institutes of Health.
Alcohol poisoning could lead to death if you or anyone have the following symptoms visit or contact Angleton ER immediately:
- Vomiting
- Slow breathing
- A blue-colored tint of the skin
- Low body temperature
- Seizures
- Unconsciousness
While we all want to have fun on vacation, remember the longer you wait to get a health issue taken care of, the worse off you could be.