Travelling, while enjoyable and thrilling, can be a tremendous hassle. A million things may go wrong at any time, from misplacing your wallet to simple language errors that can derail your entire vacation. Of course, various situations necessitate different solutions. But, apart from draining jobs and never-ending bills, if there is one constant in life, it is that you will encounter inconvenient travel issues. This is especially true while visiting a tropical country.
Avoiding excessive heat (hot areas, altogether) is one of the greatest methods to deal with it. Travelling to a high altitude or farther north will usually save you from being fried. But, most people like the sun, yet excessive heat can be harmful or even fatal for anyone’s health. Therefore, during a heatwave, when the temperature remains high continuously for a few days, it is critical that you take appropriate care of yourself.
1. Traveller’s diarrhoea
While the cause of traveller’s diarrhoea is similar to that of food poisoning yet, parasites and viruses can also cause it. Diarrhoea is one of the symptoms (pretty obvious, right?) especially passing three or more loose bowel movements in a 24-hour period. Diarrhoea usually lasts three to five days and goes away on its own; however, over-the-counter medication can assist with the symptoms.
The best cure is to stay as hydrated as possible and then let the symptoms go away on their own.
2. Sunburn
As there is a recent surge in COVID-19 cases, it is advisable to stay outdoors, especially if you are travelling. However, don’t attempt to relax by the pool while you’re turning as red as a tomato. Instead, follow our suggestions and reapply sunscreen as needed, as well as attempt to stay in the shade when the sun rays are at their peak. While most sunburns are minor and heal within a few days, severe sunburn can cause blistering and, in extreme circumstances, heatstroke.
As soon as you see your skin turning red, get out of the sunlight and either go inside or sit in the shade. You should soak sore skin in cold water before applying after-sun lotion or aloe vera.
Avoid wearing tight-fitting clothing over your sunburn and remain out of the sun until the redness subsides. Wear at least SPF30 sun cream to guard against UV rays, and make sure your sunscreen has at least a four-star UVA rating. Even if it promises to be waterproof, reapply sun cream every two hours and after swimming, towel drying, or sweating. Wear long sleeves and pants, a wide-brimmed hat, and sunglasses if feasible.
3. Heat exhaustion/heatstroke
Even the most ardent sun lovers might become overheated from time to time. Heat exhaustion symptoms might include feeling thirsty and overheated, as well as headaches, dizziness, lack of appetite, and a high fever. Children might become floppy and drowsy as well. If you can’t cool down within 30 minutes, you may be suffering from heatstroke, which is far more dangerous and requires medical treatment.
Get out of the sunshine and into a cool or shady location. – To help rehydrate, drink plenty of water. If you get a clammy or dizzy feeling, lie down with your feet slightly raised.
Cool down your skin by rinsing or sponging it with cold water around the neck and armpits. Sit near a fan or close to a breeze.
4. Malaria
Malaria is usually a dangerous sickness that can be fatal. Travellers who fall unwell with a fever or flu-like disease while in a malaria-risk area or after returning home (for up to a year) should seek prompt medical treatment and disclose their travel history to the physician.
Travellers deemed high risk of contracting malaria should consider bringing a complete course of malaria medications with them.
Avoiding mosquito bites is critical; limiting the number of bites decreases the likelihood of illness.
Avoid being bitten by mosquitoes. Mosquitoes that carry malaria generally bite after sunset; but, day-biting mosquitoes transmit other illnesses; thus, you should practice bite avoidance should at all times. Wearing loose long-sleeved clothes and long pants can help prevent bites.
Mosquitoes may bite through thin clothing, so treat them with an insecticide or repellent. You should also wear insect repellents on exposed skin if sleeping in an unscreened room, and a mosquito net with pesticide is a prudent precaution if sleeping outside. There are portable and lightweight nettings available.
Garlic, vitamin B, and ultrasound equipment are ineffective at preventing bites.
5. Hygiene
It all comes down to cleanliness. Trips are great and all, but it’s difficult to predict when you’ll be able to take the next shower. With the latest health crisis, it is now more vital than ever to ensure that you are using the proper and suitable hygiene techniques. Keeping yourself clean and healthy when on the fly is critical to ensuring that you do not endanger yourself or others.
To keep oneself secure when travelling, self-awareness is essential. If you have a cold, you must bring antibacterial wipes, tissues, and hand sanitiser with you, but even if you don’t, cough or sneeze in a tissue or handkerchief to avoid transmitting bacteria to other passengers.
Always wash your hands properly with soap and water before eating or handling food and after using the restroom. When there aren’t any washing facilities around, antibacterial and sanitising alcohol hand gels are an excellent option.
General hygiene, on the other hand, depends on local cleanliness and sanitation practices as well.
You should avoid uncooked food unless you can peel or shell it yourself. You should also avoid salads since they may have been cleaned in polluted water.
Photo by pawel szvmanski on Unsplash
Author: Mandy Kloppers
Mandy is a qualified therapist who treats depression, anxiety, OCD, PTSD, trauma, and many other types of mental health issues. She provides online therapy around the world for those needing support and also provides relationship counselling.
