If you are traveling this holiday season, don’t let illnesses ruin your experience. Since winter is cold and flu season, it’s important to protect yourself and your family from common viruses that are around. Keep the following tips in mind, so that you can stay healthy while traveling during winter.
Common Winter Viruses
Which viruses should you be worried about when you travel during winter?
- Seasonal influenza: More commonly known as the flu, this viral illness can cause serious complications for some individuals.
- Common cold: Many different viruses can cause sneezing, a runny nose, coughing and other cold symptoms.
- Norovirus: This gastrointestinal illness, which can cause nausea and diarrhea, is a concern if you’ll be taking a cruise this winter.
- Mosquito-borne illnesses: If you’re traveling to a tropical climate, protect yourself from Zika virus and other mosquito-borne illnesses.
Get Immunized
Being immunized can help protect you from certain illnesses. You should get your flu shot, which helps lower the risk of complications from flu viruses. Plan ahead, since the flu shot takes about two weeks to become fully effective. If you’re traveling abroad, you might need to get other kinds of immunizations, depending on where you’re going.
Take Supplements
Some dietary and over-the-counter supplements can help you stay in good health during your trip. Vitamin C can give your immune system a boost, which helps protect you from cold and flu viruses. Vitamin C also helps reduce inflammation if you get achy muscles during your trip. B complex vitamins can help you handle any stress you’re feeling about your trip. Keep in mind that stress can affect your immune system, which can increase your risk of getting sick. Probiotics can help ensure that your digestive system is healthy while you travel.
Stay Hydrated
Drinking plenty of water while you travel helps different bodily systems function properly. Carry water with you while flying, or keep a cooler filled with bottled water in your car if you’re driving. You might also want to bring a refillable water bottle to carry around at your destination.
Get Physical Activity
No matter how busy you are while you’re away on vacation, it’s important to get regular physical activity. Staying active helps keep your body in good condition, lowering your risk of becoming ill. Simple activities, such as going for walks or doing stretches, are enough to provide you with this benefit during your trip.
Sleep Well
Hectic vacations can make it difficult to sleep, but your immune system needs a good night’s rest to function effectively. Try to stick to a regular sleep schedule during your travels if possible, and read or do another calming activity before bed instead of looking at any screens.
If you need to stock up on medications or dietary supplements before you travel, contact us at The Compounding Pharmacy of Beverly Hills. We are here for you!
