HomeHealth TopicsWellness LifestyleTraveler's Health
Back to Wellness Lifestyle
Traveler's Health
Reviewed by Medicinsk Expert•Last updated: 2026-10-22•Wellness Lifestyle

Traveler's Health

Traveling can introduce new health risks, but proper preparation and safety precautions can help you stay healthy during your trip.

Health Risks While Traveling

Traveling can increase your chances of getting sick. A long flight can increase your risk for deep vein thrombosis. Once you arrive at your destination, it takes time to adjust to the local water, food, and air.

Food and Water Safety

In developing countries, water may contain viruses, bacteria, and parasites that cause stomach upset and diarrhea. To stay safe:

  • Use only bottled or purified water for drinking, making ice cubes, and brushing your teeth.
  • If you must use tap water, boil it or use iodine tablets.
  • Eat only food that is fully cooked and served hot.
  • Avoid unwashed or unpeeled raw fruits and vegetables.

Vaccinations and Medications

If you are traveling out of the country, you might need vaccinations or medicines to prevent specific illnesses. Your requirements depend on:

  • The part of the world you are visiting
  • The time of year
  • Your age and overall health status
  • Previous vaccinations

See your doctor 4 to 6 weeks before your trip, as most vaccines take time to become effective.

Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Frequently Asked Questions

If you must use tap water, bring a portable filter that removes bacteria and parasites, then boil the filtered water for at least one minute (longer at higher altitude) before drinking, brushing teeth, or making ice.
Consult a travel clinic at least 4–6 weeks before departure, because most vaccines (e.g., hepatitis A, typhoid, yellow fever) require that time to develop protective immunity. If you’re short on time, the clinician can prioritize rapid‑onset vaccines (e.g., inactivated influenza, meningococcal) and discuss any available accelerated schedules.
Look for swelling, pain, warmth, or redness in one leg, especially from calf to thigh. If you notice these symptoms, move to a medical facility promptly for evaluation; early treatment can prevent a pulmonary embolism.
For mild‑to‑moderate diarrhea, stay hydrated with oral rehydration salts and consider a short course (3 days) of loperamide if there’s no fever or blood in the stool. If you develop high fever, blood, severe abdominal pain, or symptoms last longer than 48 hours, see a healthcare provider for possible antibiotics and further evaluation.
Source: MedlinePlus, National Library of Medicine

MedlinePlus brings together authoritative health information from the National Library of Medicine (NLM), the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and other government agencies and health-related organizations.

kontakt@hittavard.se

Ⓒ 2024. Alla rättigheter förbehålls av juxt ab

Sök
Om ossVillkor och policyVanliga frågorKontakta oss