Staying Healthy While Traveling!

Authors: Dr. Amit Abraham, Dr. Sohaila Cheema, and Dr. Karima Chaabna

Exploration of new places and immersion in diverse cultures and languages often makes travel enriching and enjoyable. For an optimal experience, it is important to safeguard one’s health and wellbeing. Whether planning a weekend getaway or embarking on an international excursion, understanding the basics of food and water safety is essential. Food poisoning and diarrhea are common gastrointestinal illnesses that affect travelers, especially when confronted with unfamiliar climates or food preparation techniques.

Food and Water Safety During Travel

Follow the tips below during travel:

• Ensure that water is drinkable: Before your trip, research the destination’s water safety guidelines. Stick to bottled or properly sterilized water, especially in areas where the water quality may be questionable.
• Wash your hands: Use soap and clean water for at least 20 seconds before handling or consuming food. If soap and water are unavailable, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.
• Choose reliable food establishments: Opt for reputable restaurants, food stalls, or street vendors with good hygiene practices.
• Be cautious with street food: Choose stalls with proper food handling practices. Ensure that the food is cooked thoroughly and served hot.
• Avoid raw or undercooked foods: Minimize the risk of foodborne illnesses by refraining from consuming raw or undercooked meat, seafood, eggs, and unpasteurized dairy products.
• Be cautious with fruits and vegetables: Wash fruits and vegetables thoroughly with clean water before consuming. If you are still concerned about their cleanliness, you can create a simple vinegar solution by mixing one part of vinegar and three parts of water. Soak the fruits and vegetables for a few minutes, then rinse them thoroughly with clean water before consuming them. If unsure about the water quality, opt for fruits that can be peeled.
• Trust your senses: If food looks, smells, or tastes suspicious, it’s best to err on the side of caution and avoid eating it.
• Be mindful of dietary restrictions and allergies: If you have specific dietary restrictions or allergies, communicate this clearly to food vendors or restaurants. Ensure they understand your requirements and ask questions about the ingredients and potential cross-contamination.
• Vaccines and medications: Some foodborne illnesses, such as hepatitis A and typhoid, can be prevented through vaccination. Visit your healthcare provider prior to travel to get vaccines, bug spray, or other medications, if necessary.

Other Tips to Stay Healthy During Travel

• Even though the World Health Organization has declared that COVID-19 is no longer a global health emergency, it is still a concern. Please follow appropriate measures and guidelines to stay safe during travel.
• The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention regularly updates travel guidelines for each country. This can be a handy tool when preparing for travel.
• Understand the risks of traveling and take the necessary precautions to protect your health.
• When out in the sun, don’t forget the sunscreen! Protect your skin and eyes from damage by the sun’s ultraviolet radiation. Read our newsletter on staying safe in the sun.
• Remember to pack any medications you regularly take and prepare a traveler’s first-aid kit.

Practicing the above safety steps can help you enjoy your travels. Bon voyage!

Sources: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) | Harvard University | Mayo Clinic | Stanford Medicine | Cleveland Clinic | Institute for Population Health Stay Safe Stay Healthy Newsletter | Johns Hopkins Medicine

Edited by: Ms. Julietta Mirghani