Traveling and Sickness
Unfortunately, getting sick is inevitable when you’re traveling. It would be great if we went one entire trip and never got a single sniffle, but unfortunately, as mortal human beings, we simply don’t have that kind of luck. Before we even leave home, I have to go to the doctor and get refills on my inhalers. I can’t afford to be negligent when it comes to my asthma. I always pack more inhalers than I actually need, just to error on the side of caution. Another thing I commonly get refills on is my allergy medication. My allergies can sometimes get worse in different countries, depending on where we are.
Some countries are lacking when it comes to pharmacies, but the best ones in Asia are in Thailand. We buy some medicine there just to have on hand. I purchase a Z-Pak, which I take if I get bronchitis. It’s one of the few medications that actually helps me. It’s also very reasonable in Thailand. I don’t take it unless it’s absolutely necessary. If I just get a minor cough due to allergies, it isn’t reason enough to take it. Jeff and I pack over-the-counter medicine just in case there’s something we can’t find in other countries. A lot of the convenience stores sell good electrolyte drinks, which come in handy if you get any stomach issues, which can lead to dehydration. Look for drinks such as 100 Plus or Pocari Sweat. One of nature’s best electrolyte drinks is a fresh coconut. Jeff and I drink them regularly, and they are so refreshing. Most pharmacies carry rehydration packets, but we mainly find those in Thailand.
One of the worst illnesses a traveler can get, however, come from the tiniest of things—mosquitoes. They are nature’s biggest nuisance, and many of the female mosquitoes carry diseases such as malaria and dengue fever, so taking precautions to avoid this is very important. The best way to avoid mosquito bites is by wearing lightweight long sleeve shirts or long pants. Using a repellant is very good as well. In case mosquitoes get in your room, running the air conditioning will kill them. The bad thing about mosquito-borne illnesses is that one never knows which ones carry the disease; not all of them do. That’s why it is best to be proactive. Jeff and I have fortunately managed to avoid getting malaria and dengue, but we always take the necessary precautions.
Another common problem which can severely trigger allergies or exasperate asthma is the pollution. Wearing face masks is good for that. There are a lot of people who ride motorbikes in Asia, and the exhaust fumes are not good for human lungs. The K-N94 masks are the best ones to wear.
If anyone chooses to travel, and Thailand becomes one of your destinations, I highly recommend going to a pharmacy to stock up on medicine to keep with you. Just get what you think you will need. Other less developed countries aren’t likely going to have what you need.
Rest- If you do happen to become ill while traveling in the country and don’t have any medicine, here are some of the necessary steps to fight off illness. Never underestimate the power of rest. Just like electronics need to be charged, so does the human body. Getting enough sleep is important to build the immune system back to normal.
Liquids- Staying well-hydrated will help you to recover from sickness more quickly. Drink plenty of water, including plain hot water. Although ice cold water tastes refreshing, especially in a hot humid climate, drinking it hot helps to aid in the detoxification process. Drinking some herbal tea is another old-school remedy that works well too.
Supplements- Taking supplements such as vitamin c and D-3 can help keep you healthy, as well as taking a multivitamin.
Hopefully, you all remain healthy during your travels, but just in case anything does happen, may this post and the information I provided help you during your journey.
Thank you for reading!
