Here\u2019s what to consider before your next trip, plus expert-backed tips to help you stay healthy.<\/p>\n
Why Travel Can Increase Your Risk of Getting Sick<\/p>\n
While travel itself doesn\u2019t weaken your immune system, the stressors that often come with vacations can increase your odds of getting sick. Changes in sleep, stress, hydration, and nutrition during vacation can increase exposure to germs while making your body less prepared to fight them off.<\/p>\n
International travel can pose additional risks, such as viruses, bacteria, and unsafe food and water that our bodies are not used to.<\/p>\n
NOTE: There is currently an isolated outbreak of Hantavirus related to recent travel aboard a cruise ship departing from South America and an Ebola epidemic after exposure in specific in Eastern African countries.<\/p>\n
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention keeps an updated report on current Ebola cases<\/a> and locations. Stay up to date and reach out to your primary care provider before traveling out of the country.<\/p>\n \nWhat Is Hantavirus? What Travelers Should Know\n<\/p>\n \n\tHantavirus is a rare virus with only a small number of reported cases in the U.S. each year.\n<\/p>\n \n\tHow do you get hantavirus?\n<\/p>\n \n\tMost infections occur after exposure to rodent droppings or urine, often from time spent in dusty cabins, sheds, or campsites, or in hiking, camping, or hunting areas with rodents.\n<\/p>\n \n\tHuman-to-human spread is extremely rare, Dr. Branche explains. \u201cYou can’t get it from just passing somebody in the hall or breathing the same air as them. Only one strain typically detected in South America is known to cause human-to-human transmission, and that requires significant exposure to infected bodily fluids.\u201d\n<\/p>\n \tHantavirus symptoms <\/p>\n FeverFatigueMuscle achesCoughShortness of breath or pneumonia<\/p>\n \tPreventing Hantavirus <\/p>\n Avoid contact with rodent droppingsWear a mask when cleaning dusty spacesStore food safely while campingKeep tents and cabins clean Planes are enclosed spaces with lots of frequently touched surfaces, making healthy travel habits important. Try these tips next time you hop on a flight:<\/p>\n Hydrate Before and During Your Flight: Drink water before and during your flight, limit alcohol and caffeine, and consider packing electrolyte packets.Be Aware of High-Touch Surfaces: Bring hand sanitizer and\/or disinfectant wipes to clean tray tables, seatbelt buckles, screens, and armrests.<\/p>\n Pro tip: consider bringing lotion, too, as dry skin can lead to small open cuts.<\/p>\n Sleep Matters More Than You Think: It plays a huge role in immune function. Early flights, jet lag, and travel stress, which interrupt your sleep, can all make it harder for your body to recover and fight off illness. \n\tIllnesses, especially norovirus, spread more easily on cruise ships due to close quarters, shared dining, and large groups of travelers.\n<\/p>\n Shared buffets and dining areasClose living quartersLots of frequently touched surfacesInfrequent handwashing<\/p>\n \n\tReminder: Washing your hands with soap and water is more effective than hand sanitizer in preventing norovirus.\n<\/p>\n \n\tOther ways to stay healthy on a cruise:\n<\/p>\n Avoid food that has been sitting out too longStay hydrated, especially in hot climatesBe cautious with food and water sources during excursions (bring bottled water when possible)<\/p>\n Don\u2019t ignore symptoms. If you develop vomiting, diarrhea, fever<\/a>, or respiratory symptoms onboard, limit your contact with others, report symptoms to cruise medical staff, and focus on hydration and rest.<\/p>\n Do Supplements Like Emergen-C or Airborne Actually Help?<\/p>\n \n\tMany people pack immune-support supplements, such as Emergen-C or Airborne, when they travel. But do they actually work? While some supplements may help support normal immune function, no supplement can \u201cguarantee\u201d illness prevention.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \n\t\u201cThere\u2019s no magic supplement that prevents illness during travel, but healthy habits before and during your trip can make a meaningful difference.\u201d\n<\/p>\n \n\tThe best evidence-based strategies for immune support while traveling are still sleep<\/a>, hydration, nutrition, and handwashing.<\/p>\n Get Care Now<\/p>\n When you or a loved one needs care, our providers are here\u2014day or night, for every level of need. Whether it\u2019s in person or virtual, get the care you need, when and where you need it.<\/p>\n
\nHow to Stay Healthy on a Plane<\/p>\n
\nStaying Healthy on a Cruise Ship<\/p>\n<\/p>\n