Stay healthy while traveling

You’ve waited a long time for your trip, so the last thing you want is to get sick. Unfortunately, it can happen. Be prepared so you can do what you set out to: enjoy your trip.

Start before you go.

Staying healthy while traveling starts way before you get to your destination.

Everyone (including children) should be up to date on their vaccinations before embarking on international travel. Check your immunization status. Also, make sure your medical insurance is up to date and covers you if you leave the country.

Tame the tummy bug.

When cruise ship passengers get queasy, it’s most likely seasickness. But if hundreds of passengers get sick, it’s time to worry.

The Centers for Disease Control suggests doing your homework before booking a cruise. Check out the CDC’s website to make sure your ship meets sanitation standards.

Wash your hands.

A given to prevent transmission of germs.

Cut the clots.

Depending on your health, a long ride with inactivity can lead to deep vein thrombosis. DVT is inflammation and the development of a blood clot in a deep vein, bringing symptoms of pain, warmth and swelling in the calf. If you have such symptoms, seek help immediately, especially if you have shortness of breath.

To prevent DVT, take walks before and during your flight, stretch during the flight, don’t cross your legs, wear loose-fitting clothes and drink lots of water.

Watch what you eat.

Order your meals from reputable places.

A particular widely known ailment is traveler’s diarrhea, or TD (also known as Montezuma’s revenge and Tut’s tummy). Traveler’s diarrhea is defined as three or more stools in 24 hours.