There’s nothing worse than planning the trip of a lifetime, only to start to feel ill a few days in. When you get sick at home it’s normal to feel drained, exhausted and utterly dreadful. But when you’re abroad it’s normal to start feeling pretty vulnerable too. After all, you’re thousands of miles away from home in a foreign country. There are many reasons why you may have gotten sick, but luckily there are a few things you can do for yourself to move your sickness along and help speed up recovery. Want to know more? Read on for 5 steps to take if you start to feel ill on vacation.
Remember, uninsured medical evacuations can cost a lot of money, and while they only happen in extreme circumstances it’s still vital that you have travel insurance in place, so you’re covered.
Make sure you’re using your first aid kit
If you packed properly, then you should have brought some first aid essentials with you. A little bit of self-care can go a long way when you’re under the weather, so now is a good time to use what you have in your first aid kit. With any luck, you have added some pain relievers, antacids, antihistamines, diarrhea tablets and re-hydration medicines. If you have something with you that could accelerate your recovery, then take it. If not, then head to a local pharmacy and ask for assistance. Hotel staff will be able to point you in the right direction.
Drink plenty of water if you feel ill on vacation
It’s easy to become dehydrated when you’re on vacation. Whether you’re sick and passing fluids quicker than you should, or you’re drinking more alcohol than you are water – make sure you don’t forget to balance your intake of liquids, as alcohol ultimately just dehydrates you more. If you’re feeling ill, then drinking plenty of water is a good idea. Replenishing your lost fluids is vital to aiding recovery so avoid drinking alcohol, and stick to water, fruit juices and even ice pops. Keep your fluid intake up as much as possible while you’re overseas.
Listen to your body
When you’re feeling ill, the best option is to listen to your body. Getting enough rest is essential, so instead of heading off sightseeing, where you’re likely to feel drained and potentially even worse, opt for a day by the pool or relaxing in your air-conditioned accommodation instead. Taking one day to rest and recover is better than feeling sick during your whole vacation.
Eat plain and simple foods
If your issues are stomach related such as gastroenteritis, then it’s best to stick to a bland diet of foods that are easier to digest. Avoid dairy if you can, as well as greasy, fatty foods and alcohol. Stick to plain toast, crackers, even dry cereal to keep your meals simple until you’re feeling a little better.
When to seek help
If you’re suffering from shortness of breath, weakness, chest pains, fever, difficulty breathing or a potential infection, then you should seek medical assistance as soon as possible. Don’t wait. Don’t worry about funding your medical treatment as your medical insurance should cover you for all your expenses. It’s better to miss out on your vacation than to get sicker.
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