• HOME
• FOOD
• RECIPES
• DINING
• DRINKS
• SHOP
• TRAVEL
• ABOUT

It goes without saying that, when traveling, we are exposed to plenty of illnesses and injuries. This is not because we don’t know how to avoid them, it’s because of the new environment we have to accommodate to.

When it comes to illnesses, there is some research travelers have to do before entering a certain country. On the other hand, in terms of injuries, one must be really careful in order to avoid them.

In today’s article, we’ll talk about seven of the most common travel illnesses and injuries that you can prevent so that you know what to look after the next time you’re on holiday.

1. Sprained Ankles

Clearly one of the most common injuries a traveler has to face, a sprained ankle may come any time and under any circumstances.

For example, you might be visiting a city’s old center and, due to the uneven sidewalk or cobblestone streets, you can easily twist your ankle if you don’t watch your step.

2. Strep Throat

This doesn’t usually happen during your stay in the foreign country of your choice but on the flight to your destination. It is quite common and, instead of forcing yourself and making your situation much worse, you should take a day off and rest.

Naturally, it is advised that you go to the pharmacy and ask for advice. You may even end up with medicine being prescribed to you and, thus, making the healing process faster.

3. Car Accidents

The first thing to keep in mind when traveling is that you are on unfamiliar roads and that anything can happen. It doesn’t matter if you are a driver, passenger, or pedestrian; you always have to keep your eyes wide open in order to avoid any accidents.

Be extra cautious when driving, always buckle up – even in taxis and on short distance trips – and look both ways before crossing the street.

4. Traveler’s Diarrhea

A more sensible matter, so to say, but an important one nonetheless. This is because, in many cases, this illness may not be caused by a mixture of different food or such. Instead, it can be traced back to the local water supply as well as the food.

You should always carry pills that can alleviate this condition, try to use only bottled water, and think twice before eating a dish at a restaurant that doesn’t look so clean.

5. Food Poisoning

Obviously, when you are in a foreign country, you’ll want to try out as many local dishes as you can so that you get the most of your trip. However, this food crawl may get you in trouble, and even in a hospital.

Before ordering your food in a restaurant, it is better to look around and see if the place is clean enough, if it’s crowded, and if the waiters handle the food properly.

6. Serious Diseases

When talking about serious diseases, we mainly refer to those like Dengue Fever, Yellow Fever, Rabies, Typhoid, Malaria, and such. These are both common and very dangerous but are also preventable with vaccines.

This is why, long before your trip, it is important that you do your research and know exactly which vaccines you should take before traveling to a certain country.

7. Travel Sickness

Even though it is not a specific illness or injury, what we know as travel sickness can have a serious impact on both our trip and our health. Keep in mind that a simple cold or a headache can affect our immune system and make us prone to other illnesses or injuries.

You should always have a first-aid kit with you when traveling, as well as a supply of medicine for different purposes – for example, band-aids, ibuprofen, Benadryl, imodium, and so on.

The Bottom Line

As you can see, you can never be too safe while traveling, especially in terms of injuries and illnesses. Some of them can be easily avoided by watching your step, while the others require careful preparation and observation if you don’t want them to affect you.

However, in all cases, it is better to know which personal injury attorneys you can rely on if you have an accident while traveling. Having such an attorney to call for help may even make you feel more secure during your trip.