5 Important Tips for Staying Healthy While Traveling

One in 3 Americans travels during the holiday season. Whether you’re taking a winter vacation or you’re visiting family, it’s a busy time of year and there’s a good chance you’re packing your bags.

But traveling can put you at risk for getting sick. Cold and flu viruses spread more easily in cold weather, and it’s easy to let loose on your healthy habits when you’re vacationing.

At Calvary Urgent Care in Humble, Texas, our doctors are here to give you the best tips for staying healthy no matter where the holiday season takes you. We offer comprehensive wellness exams to keep you feeling your best and, if you’re traveling internationally, we can help you get ready with travel vaccines.

Read on to get more tips on how you can avoid getting sick while you travel.

1. GET YOUR FLU SHOT

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that everyone over the age of 6 months get a flu shot every year. Getting a flu shot annually ensures that you’re protected against the most common strains of the flu virus.

While it’s best to get your flu shot in the early fall, it’s never too late. Consider getting your flu shot a few weeks before you travel so it has time to take effect. Getting your flu shot in December or even later still helps protect you from getting sick and spreading the virus to others.

2. TAKE YOUR VITAMINS

Vitamins C and D are two nutrients that can help boost your immune system and help you fight viruses. Eating a healthy diet and taking multivitamins to fill any gaps in your diet help ensure you’re getting essential vitamins to keep your immune system strong.

Don’t lose your healthy eating habits while you travel, because a healthy diet can keep you healthy. Green vegetables and citrus fruits, along with vitamin D-rich foods like egg yolks, salmon, and tuna, are all good options to add to your diet to give you an immunity boost.

3. GET REGULAR EXERCISE

Regular exercise is important for overall well-being, but it can also help you fight illnesses. In general, getting 30 minutes of exercise most days a week is recommended. Exercise reduces stress and increases blood flow to help restore well-being.

When you’re traveling, don’t stop exercising. Sticking to your exercise routine can help you stay healthy even when you’re on the road. Take a walk after dinner or consider adding a simple strength training routine that you can do in your hotel room.

4. GET PLENTY OF SLEEP

It’s easy for your normal bedtime routine to get tossed aside when you’re traveling. Maybe you’re busy catching up with friends or the bed in your hotel isn’t very comfortable, and you might find yourself yawning during the day.

But if you want to stay healthy, getting enough sleep is critical for keeping your immune system functioning at its best. When you’re short on sleep, your body can’t fight germs as well. (dermaflage.com) To reduce your risk of getting sick while traveling, try to get at least eight hours of sleep a night.

5. MAINTAIN GOOD HYGIENE

Cold and flu viruses can live on hard surfaces like doorknobs and countertops for up to 24 hours. You can get sick from touching a contaminated surface and then touching your face.

Washing your hands often is one of the best ways to reduce your chances of getting sick. Wash your hands or use alcohol-based hand sanitizer to prevent spreading germs. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth, and take a shower or bath once a day to help wash away germs.

Take advantage of our travel tips to keep you healthy. But if you’re feeling under the weather, don’t wait to make an appointment. Call our office or book your visit online today.