Going Abroad This Summer? We Have Your Vaccines Covered, Plus 5 Tips to Stay Healthy While Traveling

The weather’s warm, the sun is out, and millions of people are getting that urge to travel. According to survey results, over 42% of adults will travel more this summer than last summer. So with more people wanting to go out and see the world, now is a good time to look at how to stay healthy while you’re away.

Staying in good health while you’re traveling means being properly vaccinated and maintaining good habits. To make sure you’re prepared for travel, let’s examine the importance of vaccines, and ways to stay healthy while you’re out and about.

Residents of the Chicago, Illinois, area looking to stay healthy while traveling can get assistance and advice from the extensive team of doctors at Michigan Avenue Primary Care.

The importance of vaccines when traveling

When traveling to places you don’t normally frequent or have never been, you risk getting diseases and infections you may not be vaccinated for. So, if you’re going away you should be up-to-date on:

Normal vaccines

Stay up-to-date on seasonal vaccines (such as for the flu), and make sure you’ve gotten your COVID-19 shots as well as any boosters you may need.

Childhood vaccines

Make sure you and your family are covered for childhood diseases such as measles, mumps, tetanus, pertussis, rubella, rotavirus, and varicella. 

Required and recommended vaccines

If you’re traveling to another country, there may be some vaccines you’re required to have before entering, such as yellow fever and malaria, and against diseases that may come from contaminated food or drink, such as typhoid.

If you’re traveling outside of the United States, you should get vaccines about a month before you leave, and take your vaccine records with you when you travel.

Ways to stay healthy while traveling

Here are some tips on how to stay healthy while traveling:

1. Stay hydrated

When you’re sampling the local cuisine or finding activities to pass the time, forgetting to drink water can happen pretty easily. Keep a water bottle with you as much as possible, and start your day with two full glasses.

2. Watch your diet

This is especially important if you’ve never had the food before or you’re traveling to a lesser developed country where food may not have been prepared properly. Be sure your food is thoroughly cooked, avoid raw vegetables, and carry bottled water. 

3. Stay active

These are the lazy days of summer, and you may be tempted to just lie around and do nothing. But working physical activity into your vacation is good for your health, even if it’s just walking, taking advantage of a hotel gym, or doing yoga in your room.

4. Protect your skin

Regardless of where you go, if there's the possibility of overexposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays, then there’s a chance of sun-damaged skin that can lead to other skin problems. Travel with protective gear (a wide-brimmed hat and loose clothing), and use sunscreen with an SPF of at least +30.

5. Remember a first aid kit

A first aid kit with pain relievers, bandages, antibacterial wipes or gel, motion sickness medication, antidiarrheals, and antibiotic ointment will be helpful wherever you go. And since you’re traveling in warm weather, be sure to include insect repellant.

Before you make your trip, be sure you’re prepared and vaccinated. If you need a vaccination or have other medical concerns before traveling, make an appointment with the doctors at Michigan Avenue Primary Care. Call our office today or book online anytime.