Traveling is exciting, whether it is across the state or across the world, but it’s also a time when you’re at a higher risk for illness. Current health concerns including the coronavirus can make traveling more tense than ever due to increased risk for illness, especially if traveling overseas. Our minds often get preoccupied while we’re traveling or preparing to travel and we don’t consider our health, even though it’s obviously very important. Follow these tips to maintain safe and happy travels! 

Wear Socks

You might not consider socks to be a healthy or unhealthy thing, but when you’re traveling, they are! Airports require you to take your shoes off to go through security. There’s nothing worse than realizing that as you’re asked to take off your shoes, you don’t have anything else on your feet. Socks create a barrier between your feet and the floor to protect against bacteria and fungi that may have been left behind from previous bare feet. 

Drink Water

Water is an important part of overall health. Even the best water drinkers tend to slack when they get caught up in the busy traveling routine. Encourage yourself to drink water by making sure you’ve always got a bottle of water with you. While it might be more environmentally friendly to use refillable bottle, it may not be safe to do so while traveling. Other countries don’t always have water that’s safe to drink from the tap due to sanitation infrastructure and doing so could actually result in a severe illness. Check local water guidelines to see if tap water is safe to drink, and consult with your doctor about the best way to decontaminate tap water if necessary.

Get Vaccinated 

Travel vaccines are available for different regions people travel to. Certain countries have illness and diseases that we don’t have here in the states, so we have no immunity against it. Getting vaccinated 4-6 weeks before you travel is ideal to ensure you’re protected as soon as your trip begins. 

Keep Your Hands Clean 

Hand hygiene is the best way to prevent common illnesses like the cold and flu and international illnesses are no different! Wash your hands regularly during your trip, scrubbing for at least 20 seconds with soap and hot water. Pack hand sanitizer and keep it on your person at all times too in case you need to clean your hands and no water is available. Encourage those traveling with you to maintain good hand hygiene too to protect yourself even more! 

Travel Illness Treatment in Southcenter, Kent, Renton, SeaTac & Tukwila, WA

If you’re in need of medical treatment either before or following a trip, visit AFC Urgent Care Southcenter today. With no appointment needed and affordable pricing, there’s no reason to go into your travels unprotected or unprepared! Our center is located mere minutes from Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, a quick stop if you feel ill before or after a flight. Call ahead to make sure the vaccinations you need for your trip are available. For questions, please call 425-970-8117.