Vacations are a time for relaxation, adventure, and creating lasting memories with friends and family. Whether you are embarking on a tropical getaway, exploring a new city, or studying abroad, prioritizing your health and safety should be at the top of your travel checklist. To ensure a worry-free experience, it’s essential to prepare yourself as necessary. In this guide, we’ll explore a list of travel health tips from urgent care experts to help you plan your vacation safely.
For same-day travel health services, visit the walk-in clinic at AFC Urgent Care Elizabeth. We offer a wide range of services that ensure you are adequately protected for your trip. Simply walk-in or plan your visit in advance by checking-in online below!
Travel Health Checklist
Research Your Destination
Before you leave for your trip, take the time to research any health risks specific to the area you’ll be visiting. Check out information on the CDC website to check if there are any prevalent diseases. Do you need updated vaccinations or preventive medications before traveling? Understanding the current health landscape of your destination will allow you to take appropriate precautions and protect yourself and your loved ones.
Pack a Travel Health Kit
A well-equipped travel health kit is your first line of defense against common travel-related illnesses and injuries. Be sure to include essentials such as over-the-counter medications for pain, fever, allergies, and diarrhea. Don’t forget to pack sunscreen, insect repellent, hand sanitizer, bandages, and any prescription medications you may need during your trip. Having these items on hand can help manage minor health issues and avoid disruptions to your vacation plans.
Staying Hydrated and Eat Wisely
Traveling can be pretty physically demanding, especially if you’re planning to walk around new cities or engage in outdoor activities. Remember to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water throughout your journey, especially in hot climates or at high altitudes. When dining out, be sure to choose foods that are cooked thoroughly to reduce the risk of foodborne illnesses.
Practice Sun Safety
Being in the sun is a common occurrence during many vacations, but it’s essential to protect your skin from harmful UV rays. Apply broad-spectrum sunscreen with a high SPF before heading outside, and reapply it regularly throughout the day. Wear protective clothing, like hats and sunglasses, to minimize your risk of sunburn and heat-related illness.
Prioritize Good Hygiene
Maintaining good hygiene habits is crucial for preventing the spread of illness, especially when traveling in crowded environments like an airport. Be sure to wash your hands frequently with soap and water, especially before eating or touching your face. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands to reduce your risk of contracting respiratory infections and other illnesses.
Getting Travel Health Services at Urgent Care
When it comes to accessing travel health services, urgent care centers are great resources. These healthcare facilities offer access to a wide range of travel-related health services, including those specifically tailored to meet the needs of individuals preparing for international travel. Before you depart for your trip, visit an urgent care center for a pre-travel consultation. Your provider can recommend any necessary medicine to help alleviate health concerns, like medications for malaria, diarrhea, altitude sickness, and motion sickness. They can also conduct physical examinations and medical screenings. By taking advantage of these resources, you can take proactive steps to safeguard your health and enjoy a memorable travel experience!
Get a Walk-In Travel Health Consultation at AFC Urgent Care Elizabeth
Do you have an upcoming trip? Visit the walk-in clinic at AFC Urgent Care Elizabeth for travel medicine today! With our comprehensive travel health services, you can leave for your trip with confidence, knowing your health is in good hands. Our board-certified physicians and medical providers can give you a full travel consultation on-site. We accept most health insurance plans and offer cost-effective options for self-paying patients. If you have any additional questions about our travel health services, please contact our medical team directly at (908) 677-5900.
