The Unavoidable Truth: Getting Sick While Traveling & How to Cope

Getting sick while traveling is a topic that often gets glossed over in the glossy brochures and Instagram-perfect travel photos. We all dream of seamless adventures, but the truth is, illness can strike anyone, anywhere.

Table of Contents

1. Introduction: The Reality of Getting Sick While Traveling
2. Common Culprits: What Makes Us Sick on the Road?
3. Prevention is Key: Staying Healthy on Your Trip
   • 3.1 Food and Water Safety
   • 3.2 Hygiene Habits
   • 3.3 Boosting Your Immunity
   • 3.4 Vaccinations and Medications
4. What to Do When You Get Sick
   • 4.1 Assess the Situation
   • 4.2 Self-Care Strategies
   • 4.3 Seeking Medical Attention
   • 4.4 Travel Insurance: Your Safety Net
5. Real Stories from Our Community: Shared Experiences
6. Conclusion: Don’t Let Sickness Steal Your Adventure
7. Call to Action.

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1. Introduction: The Reality of Getting Sick While Traveling

My husband, Jeff, and I have spent the last eight years slow traveling, and while we’ve had countless incredible experiences, we’ve also had our share of under-the-weather days. Recently, a discussion in our Facebook group, highlighted just how common this experience is. Kirsten Christiansen Shehee, a Top Contributor, asked, “How come no one ever seems to talk about getting sick while traveling?” after a rough bout of food poisoning in Cambodia and Vietnam. Her question sparked a flood of responses, proving that this is a reality many of us face. This post is dedicated to being honest with you.

2. Common Culprits: What Makes Us Sick on the Road?

There are several reasons why travelers are prone to getting sick:

• Food Poisoning: Eating contaminated food or drinking unsafe water is a common cause of traveler’s diarrhea and other gastrointestinal issues.
• Traveler’s Diarrhea: This is often caused by exposure to new bacteria in food and water that your body isn’t used to. As Dawn Macaulay, an All-star contributor, put it, “It isn’t necessarily food poisoning. It is probably what is called traveler’s diarrhea.”
• Viruses (Norovirus, Flu, etc.): Airplanes, crowded tourist spots, and close contact with others increase your risk of catching viruses. As Linda Bailey pointed out, “May not be food related, there’s a lot of norovirus around which is airborne and spreads very easily!”
• Changes in Diet and Routine: Even if the food is safe, a sudden change in diet (more spicy food, different types of fat, etc.) can upset your digestive system.
• Dehydration: Not drinking enough water, especially in hot climates, can weaken your immune system and lead to other problems.
• Stress and Fatigue: Travel can be stressful, and lack of sleep can lower your defenses.
• Altitude Sickness: Traveling to high-altitude destinations can cause altitude sickness.
• Pre-existing Conditions: Existing health conditions can be exacerbated by travel.
• Our Adventures in Ailments:

Let’s be honest, even seasoned travelers like us have our “oops” moments when it comes to health. We like to think of ourselves as adventurous eaters, but sometimes, adventure bites back! I’ll never forget the Rio buffet incident – a culinary showdown where my stomach clearly lost to a dazzling array of questionable salads, while Jeff, possessing the digestive fortitude of a superhero, remained perfectly fine. Then there was the time I needed a kidney surgery in Mexico. Not exactly the souvenir I was hoping for, but the medical care was top-notch, and it gave us a whole new appreciation for the phrase “expect the unexpected.” My Egyptian adventure included a rather intimate relationship with the local plumbing, proving that “Pharaoh’s Revenge” is more than just a catchy phrase. And those repositioning cruises? Budget-friendly bliss, combined with a petri dish of potential viruses. It’s a gamble we often take, and sometimes, we pay the price with a few days feeling under the weather. Most recently, I had the amazing experince of getting cateract surgery in Mazatlán. Clear vision is great. It all adds to the tapestry of our travel experiences, and we wouldn’t trade it (though, maybe, a little less time spent in foreign bathrooms would be nice!).

3. Prevention is Key: Staying Healthy on Your Trip

While you can’t eliminate all risks, there are many steps you can take to minimize your chances of getting sick:

• 3.1 Food and Water Safety:
  • Drink Bottled Water: Always drink bottled or boiled water, even for brushing your teeth, as emphasized by multiple members like Susan Corbett and Leonard Cobb.
  • Avoid Ice: Unless you’re sure it’s made with purified water, skip the ice in your drinks.
  • Eat at Reputable Places: Choose restaurants and street food stalls that are busy and appear clean. As Beryl Gale, a Top Contributor, advises, “Eat local food where you see locals eating!”
  • Hot, Cooked Food: Prioritize freshly cooked, hot food over cold or room-temperature dishes. As Scott Hall said, “Better off eating in the street with the vendors who cook it in front of ya.”
  • Be Wary of Salads and Unpeeled Fruit: These can be risky if washed with contaminated water.
  • Avoid Buffets: Food that sits out for long periods can be a breeding ground for bacteria, as Marta Levitt pointed out.
  • Consider Local Cuisine: As Caroline Blum suggests, “Always stick to local [food]. They know how to cook it well and safely.”
• 3.2 Hygiene Habits:
  • Wash Your Hands Frequently: Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water, especially before eating and after using the restroom. As Charl Laubscher emphasized, “Every door handle and every tap is potentially contaminated.”
  • Use Hand Sanitizer: Carry hand sanitizer and use it when soap and water aren’t available.
  • Avoid Touching Your Face: Keep your hands away from your eyes, nose, and mouth.
  • Be Mindful of Money: As Lorraine Riley and others pointed out, paper money can harbor a lot of bacteria.
• 3.3 Boosting Your Immunity:
  • Probiotics: Many travelers, including Esjai Mason, Brooke Boydell, and Tauni West Bowcott, swear by taking probiotics before and during their trips to support gut health.
  • Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated and help your body flush out toxins.
  • Get Enough Sleep: Prioritize sleep to keep your immune system strong.
  • Eat a Healthy Diet: Focus on nutritious foods, even when indulging in local cuisine.
• 3.4 Vaccinations and Medications:
  • Consult Your Doctor: Talk to your doctor or a travel clinic well before your trip to discuss recommended vaccinations and any necessary medications.
  • Dukoral: Several members mentioned Dukoral as a preventative measure.
  • Travel Medications: Carry a small supply of over-the-counter medications for common ailments (e.g., pain relievers, anti-diarrheal medication, anti-nausea medication). As Karen Alcorn Herzog shared, having antibiotics on hand can be a “godsend.”
  • Prescription Medications: If you take prescription medications, bring enough for your entire trip, along with a copy of your prescription.

4. What to Do When You Get Sick

Even with the best precautions, illness can still happen. Here’s what to do:

• 4.1 Assess the Situation:
  • Mild Symptoms: If you have mild symptoms (e.g., mild diarrhea, upset stomach), try self-care measures first.
  • Severe Symptoms: If you have severe symptoms (e.g., high fever, persistent vomiting, bloody diarrhea, severe dehydration), seek medical attention immediately.
• 4.2 Self-Care Strategies:
  • Rest: Give your body time to recover.
  • Hydration: Drink plenty of fluids, especially water and oral rehydration solutions.
  • Bland Diet: Stick to bland foods like rice, toast, bananas, and crackers.
  • Over-the-Counter Medications: Use over-the-counter medications like Imodium (for diarrhea) or anti-nausea medication as needed, but be cautious about using them to suppress symptoms without addressing the underlying cause.
  • Activated Charcoal: Some travelers find activated charcoal helpful for absorbing toxins.
  • Natural Remedies: Some people swear by natural remedies like ginger (for nausea) or oregano oil (as an antimicrobial). However, always consult a doctor before using natural remedies, especially if you have any underlying health conditions or take medications.
• 4.3 Seeking Medical Attention:
  • Don’t Hesitate: If your symptoms are severe or don’t improve after a day or two, seek medical attention.
  • Local Pharmacies: In many countries, pharmacists can provide advice and dispense basic medications.
  • Clinics and Hospitals: If you need more comprehensive care, find a local clinic or hospital. Your travel insurance provider can often help you locate a reputable facility.
  • Communicate Clearly: If you don’t speak the local language, try to find someone who can translate or use a translation app.
• 4.4 Travel Insurance: Your Safety Net
  • Essential for Peace of Mind: Travel insurance is absolutely crucial for covering unexpected medical expenses, emergency evacuation, and other travel-related issues. As Ann Duggan’s story about her friend’s mom having a stroke in Vietnam illustrates, medical emergencies can be incredibly expensive, and repatriation costs can be astronomical.
  • Read the Fine Print: Make sure you understand your policy’s coverage, limitations, and any pre-existing condition exclusions.
  • Recommended Providers: https://retireyoungtravelsmart.com/2024/08/31/best-travel-insurance-for-retirees-peace-of-mind-on-a-budget/

5. Real Stories from Our Community: Shared Experiences

The Facebook discussion sparked by Kirsten’s question revealed a wide range of experiences:

• Many members shared their own bouts with illness, from food poisoning in various countries to catching viruses on airplanes.
• Several members emphasized the importance of bottled water, even for brushing teeth.
• Many recommended probiotics as a preventative measure.
• Activated charcoal was also a popular suggestion.
• Some members shared specific remedies, like oregano oil or even a shot of brandy or whiskey (though we don’t endorse that without consulting a doctor!).
• Several people highlighted the importance of hand hygiene, especially after handling money.
• Some members pointed out that eating at “reputable” places doesn’t guarantee safety, and that street food, when cooked fresh and hot, can be a safer option.
• The importance of listening to your body and taking precautions when needed was a recurring theme.

6. Conclusion: Don’t Let Sickness Steal Your Adventure

Getting sick while traveling is never fun, but it shouldn’t deter you from exploring the world. By taking preventative measures, being prepared for the unexpected, and having good travel insurance, you can minimize your risks and handle any health challenges that arise. Remember, even if you do get sick, it’s often just a temporary setback. Focus on recovering, learning from the experience, and getting back to enjoying your adventure!

7. Call to Action: