Catching the Travel Bug
Summer is just a few weeks away, which means vacation time! However, be aware that this excitement also comes with its fair share of health risks. Here are some facts and tips you should be aware of when traveling:
– There is a myth that you will not get sick if you are traveling in large cities, tourist sites, or nice hotels. This is completely false! Protect yourself everywhere, which means avoiding putting your fingers in your eyes, nose, and mouth and wash your hands before and after eating.
– Hepatitis A is the most common infection in travelers, which is completely preventable with a vaccine and not eating uncooked food. This is why so many traveleres elect not to eat leafy salads or fruit that you do not peel yourself:
– As a general rule, try not to purchase food from street vendors. Although it may be tempting to do so to get the full “travel experience,” it is very likely that you will be paying for it later. In some cases, you will be paying for it over and over again if you contract an intestinal parasite.
– In certain regions of Africa, Latin America, and Asia it is unsafe to drink the water since our bodies are not used to the organisms in it. It is best to purchase bottled water whenever possible or boil your own water to sterilize it. Also, avoid any foods that would be washed with or immersed in water, such as raw fruits and vegetables.
“Remember, clean hands and preventing cross-contamination during the food preparation process are very important to prevent foodborne illness,” says Dr. Will Sawyer, founder of the Henry the Hand Foundation.
Always follow the 4 Principles of Hand Awareness while traveling:
1) WASH your hands when they are dirty and BEFORE eating.
2) DO NOT cough into your hands.
3) DO NOT sneeze into your hands.
4) Above all, DO NOT put your fingers into your eyes, nose or mouth!
Sources: http://www.peachtreetravelclinic.com/travelfacts.htm
