6 Tips for Treating Common Illnesses While Traveling

Don’t let minor illnesses or injuries ruin your trip. Be prepared with these easy remedies.

Whether you’re visiting family or on a far away adventure, the last thing you want is to be sidelined by a minor illness or injury. “It’s easy to be prepared to treat annoyances such as sniffles, upset stomachs, blisters, bug bites and more with just a little planning.” Says PIH Health Family Medicine Physician, Diana Otuwa MD. Being prepared doesn’t mean you need to bring along a suitcase full of medical supplies but having the right items can help you feel better faster so you can get back to making memories.

Here are a few easy ways to handle common illnesses while away from home so you don’t have to miss the fun by making a detour to an urgent care center or health clinic

1. Pack a mini medicine kit. 

Bring over-the-counter basics on your trip. Pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help with headaches, fever, or general aches. Antacids and anti-diarrheal medications can be helpful if your stomach gets upset from unfamiliar food or water. Allergy medications can come in handy if you react to something unexpectedly. Having these on hand can save you from searching for a pharmacy when you’re not feeling well.

2. Rest and hydrate if you feel under the weather. 

It’s easy to get run down while traveling because of long flights, different time zones and busy days. If you feel like you’re starting to get sick, drink lots of water, get some extra sleep and eat simple, nourishing foods to help your body bounce back more quickly” explains Dr. Otuwa.

3. Watch what you eat and drink. 

Stomach troubles are common while traveling, especially when eating unfamiliar foods. Stick to bottled water if the tap water is questionable and avoid produce, such as salad, which has likely been rinsed with the same water. Instead, choose freshly cooked, hot food. Avoid greasy, dairy-heavy or spicy foods if your stomach is having a hard time, as well as alcohol.

4. Ease motion sickness before it starts. 

If you’re prone to motion sickness, sit near a window and focus on the horizon. Over-the-counter medications like Dramamine or Bonine may help prevent nausea. Consuming food or drinks with ginger may settle your stomach or to be extra safe, pop some ginger chews in your bag, just in case.

5. Treat minor cuts and blisters right away. 

Keeping antibiotic ointment and bandages with you in case any scrapes or minor cuts happen along your trip, is key. Clean any scrapes or minor cuts with soap and water. Then apply antibiotic ointment and cover with a bandage. If you have blisters, don’t pop them or they may become infected. Instead, use blister pads or moleskin to protect your feet and make it more comfortable when you walk.

6. Prevent and soothe bug bites. 

Use insect repellent and wear long sleeves in areas where bugs are common. If you get bitten or stung, hydrocortisone cream or antihistamines can help with the itching. Over the counter pain medications can soothe pain and swelling. Don’t scratch to avoid infection.

“Being prepared is the best way to handle minor aches, pains, and discomfort while you’re away without it impacting your vacation too much. But if you feel very ill and your symptoms don’t improve or you sustain a serious injury, seek medical attention right away” advises Dr. Otuwa. If you’re out of the country, travel insurance may cover you if you need to go to a health clinic or hospital. If you’re in the United States, most insurance plans will cover visits to urgent care centers or the emergency room if you’re away from home.

To find a primary care physician at PIH Health, visit PIHHealth.org/Doctors.

To learn more about Dr. Otuwa here.