No matter how hard you try, the odds of getting sick while traveling are forever in your favor. While you may be dawning a mask and filling up on vitamins, someone out there is saying "f**k it." The unfortunate reality is that you must deal with it-- and here's how to do it gracefully because you are a good human.
Rule number one, take care of yourself.
Though it may seem self explanatory, many people believe they'll just "magically" get better in a couple days. If you're one of those lucky 'sweat-it-out' people; you may, but likely you won't. Call a doctor or find one as soon as you can.
If you are staying in a Hotel then it's very likely they have a doctor they can recommend. In some cases (depending where you are in the world) they may even recommend a tele-doc which keeps both you and the doctor from exposing any illness. In a recent scenario, I was able to get a tele-doc FaceTime and have recommendations and prescriptions sent to my inbox within half an hour.
Limit Activities
Secondly, you'll want to limit yourself from activities and others to ensure you are being mindful of those around you who may also be on vacation or with their families. We never know what others conditions are or who they may be traveling with. Best practice is cancel or move your plans...
Of course this scenario is super awful, but your health is far more important than climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro even if that's the primary reason you came. Look the Mountain has been here for centuries, you won't. So get better and plan to come back.
Provided you decide to not to heed this advice -- you may likely become more ill or prolong the illness and depending the time of year or where you may be, things could go south much faster that you expect.
Should you not be able to back out of an activity and this applies specifically to traveling via plane, train or community ride share wear a mask to protect others from you.
Move or Cancel Plans
Literally, what could be worse than cancelling your plans? You just traveled half way or all the way around the globe for 'this exact moment.' Unfortunately, yes you should cancel or move the plan. It sucks! We get it.
Most companies have cancellation policies. Best practice is to always read up on their policies just in case you need to defer to them. Many instances you can get refunded, a voucher for a later date or the worst case you lose you money.
Hotels and Airlines typically have the most flexible policies. Always purchase insurance on your flights, always! Thousands of dollars have been saved by spending an extra $30-70 on insurance. It's a peace of mind that you don't want to deal with when you are under the weather.
Travel excursion sites like Viator and Expedia may have varying options. Read the fine print as some have cancelations up to 1 hour prior to the event.
Pack for Worst Case Scenarios
Packing Light is still all the rage and can save you money in nearly every occasion but don't miss out on packing medications!
If you are traveling to a foreign country, you are likely to not find the same over the counter medications you might at home. If there is something you find to be tried and true when you get sick at home... PACK IT.
Many doctors will not prescribe antibiotics because often times they are not needed and because using them too frequently can cause your body to reject their properties. You'll likely be prescribed something you have never used before and will have to find a pharmacy that has what you need which can be an additional headache.
Now-a-days you can find a variety of travel pill cases and even some with labels to distinguish the small white pill from the other white pills. As someone who has dealt with this, I highly recommend the medication stickers! No one wants to take a laxative when they're trying to take Imodium.
Pre-Travel Care
Is there such thing? Why yes!
Pre-travel care refers to what you do prior to jet set. This could include everything from taking Vitamin C, pre loading on anti-inflammatory or anti-nausea medications. You are basically prepping your body for what may happen.
Adding exercise to your daily routine will build your body's immunity and blood counts as well provide you with preparation for your activities on vacation. Taking Vitamin C is always a great way to boost your immune system and can be taken daily. Usually a few days in advance of travel is helpful.
A great new addition to your pre-travel care could include IV-Drip. Typically IV's are loaded with essential vitamins and increase your fluids for an overall boost in body functions. Check your local options for a multitude of vitamins.
Sanitize your travel items and consider packing sanitizer options for your hotel, flight, car rental and more. Never hurts to proceed with caution--we all know the horror stories of both hotel rooms and airplane trays. Ew.
Stay safe out there and take care of your body. You never know when the next illness will occur but if it does, you can try to ease the pain with these helpful tips.