How to Avoid Getting Sick While You're on Vacation

Few things ruin a vacation faster than getting sick. Whether you end up with food poisoning, you tend to get nauseous on airplanes, or you caught a bug while you're away from home, you could find yourself spending more time in your hotel room than you would like.

Don't waste your trip lying in bed watching TV! Make sure you can see all the sights and do all the things you want to do while you're away from home. Follow these tips and you can reduce your chances of getting sick on vacation.

Wash Your Hands Frequently

Whether you're at home and want to prevent an illness or you want to avoid catching a virus while you're on vacation, the key is handwashing.

Viruses, like the cold, flu, and COVID-19 are spread through respiratory droplets that enter the air when others cough or sneeze. These germs float in the air, but they also land on surfaces that you touch. If you're carrying a germ and rub your eyes or scratch your nose, you could make yourself sick.

Wash your hands for at least 20 seconds and carry hand sanitizer when you're on vacation. That way, you can sanitize your hands every time you touch frequently used doorknobs or spend time examining items at an outdoor market.

Take Some Vitamins

Some vitamins found in food can boost immunity. For example, vitamin C is a popular one. It isn't uncommon for people to drink orange juice in the hopes of preventing a cold, especially before getting on an airplane, but there are other vitamins that can boost your immune system too.

Vitamin B6 supports biochemical reactions in the immune system, while vitamin E is an antioxidant that helps fight off infection.

Getting these vitamins naturally means eating foods like:

• Oranges

• Bell peppers

• Spinach

• Salmon

• Tuna

• Nuts

• Seeds

If you're looking for a quick boost and don't want to gorge yourself on healthy foods before or during your trip, consider taking these vitamins in supplement-form instead. A multivitamin can also ensure you get the nutrients you need while you're on vacation to stay healthy.

Get Vaccinated

Getting vaccinated can keep you healthy throughout your lifetime, but it can also keep you from getting sick while you're on vacation. What kinds of vaccinations you need before you go on your trip will depend on where you're traveling.

If you're traveling in the states, you will want to consider getting your flu shot, especially if you're traveling during cold and flu season. If you're traveling outside the United States, you may have to consider other vaccines, like one for yellow fever, meningococcal disease, or rabies.

The types of vaccines are different depending on where you're traveling. It's a good idea to schedule an appointment with your doctor months before your departure. Not only can they make sure you are healthy enough to travel, but they can also tell you which vaccinations you need to get before you leave.

Disinfect Your Seat on the Plane

You can get sick at any point during your vacation, but there is no other time when you're exposed to more germs than when you're on the airplane. With everyone sitting in such close proximity and surfaces that are touched by multiple people throughout the day, it's easy to see why it can be a breeding ground for germs.

Fortunately, there are things you can do to avoid germs on airplanes. One of the best is to disinfect your area before you sit down. Wipe down the arm rests, the seat, and the table. These surfaces are rarely wiped down between flights.

Make sure you keep your hands clean too. That way, you aren't exposing yourself to germs you may have picked up on other surfaces, like the overhead bin or the bathroom door.

Watch for Food Contamination

That buffet may look good while you're on vacation, but you should think twice before you dive in. Germs can be transmitted through food, and items that have sat out too long can spoil and give you a stomach ache.

In the case of buffets, busy is usually better, because it means the food is being switched out frequently. Avoid eating undercooked meats while you're on vacation, and look for food preppers who wear gloves.

If you're nervous, avoid the buffet altogether and instead eat at a reputable restaurant. It's even better if you can find a food truck or a location where you can see your food being prepared.

Protect Yourself in the Sun

Most people don't think about getting sick in the sun, but you're sure to feel less than your best if you end up with a bad sunburn. If it's severe enough, you could end up feeling feverish, nauseous, or fatigued. You can also experience uncomfortable symptoms if you end up dehydrated.

Protect yourself from the sun and the heat by:

• Wearing the right sunscreen

• Wearing protective clothing, like a wide brimmed hat

• Staying out of the sun during the hottest part of the day

• Spending as much time in the shade as possible

• Drinking plenty of water

Know How to Get Rid of Nausea

Nausea can pop up for a variety of reasons throughout your vacation, but the longer you feel sick to your stomach, the more time you'll waste.

There are many natural nausea remedies you can try. Ginger is a popular way to reduce feelings of nausea, as is peppermint. Controlling your breathing can help in a pinch, as can relaxing your muscles.

If you struggle with nausea due to motion sickness, you may want to consider a supplement or medication. Vitamin B6 can help if you get nauseous regularly, as can Dramamine. You can even find wristbands that can reduce feelings of nausea, which are perfect for long car rides or days at the theme park.

Don't let an illness ruin your vacation! When you're armed with these tips, you can increase your chances of experiencing a healthy and fun trip away from home.