How likely is it that I will get ill travelling?
The simple answer is yes, you will get ill travelling.
It doesn't matter where I go or how pristine the water may be; it will upset my system after a few days. It's not anything serious, and I'm used to it now, but it always happens. Water in various places has different minerals; even boiling it will not affect that.
Are you planning an exciting adventure to a far-flung destination? Or perhaps you're about to embark on a relaxing beach getaway? No matter the travel plans, one question often nags at the back of our minds: "How likely is it that I will get ill travelling?"
Let me share my experiences in a tongue-in-cheek and medically sound journey to uncover the truth about the notorious travel bug's odds of striking you down!
I have had norovirus a couple of times on cruises, and it doesn't stop me in the least. One Imodium and I am ready to explore. I once had a severe case of the flu in Europe that kept me confined to my hotel room for three days. That is the exception, and in all my years of travelling, it is the only time I was completely knocked off my feet. Colds? I have had a few.
OK, that isn't entirely true. In the early eighties, I drank a fruit juice offered to me in Bethlehem and ended up incapacitated for 48 hours. I regretfully missed one of the ports on the cruise.
The Common Cold: The Sneaky Stowaway
There is the common cold that never fails to find its way onto the itinerary of many trips. While travelling, you may encounter new climates, crowded airplanes, and excited tourists from around the globe. The result? A perfect breeding ground for those sneaky cold viruses.
But fear not! Wash your hands! Arm yourself with hand sanitizer, practice proper hygiene, and boost your immune system with Vitamin C superheroes like citrus fruits and colourful veggies. Remember, tissues and a sense of humour are your best friends here!
The Revenge of Montezuma: Dealing with Delightful Digestive Surprises
The challenges of culinary exploration. Sampling exotic dishes and street food can be an absolute delight for your taste buds. But beware, for the Traveller's Trots might be lurking around the corner, ready to catch you off guard. Our digestive system may occasionally protest against new and unfamiliar foods, leading to unplanned pit stops and unpredictable bathroom adventures. I know this is the case for me. Good news: the spicier the food, the less likely you are to pick up "bugs." I can't speak for you, but while I love spicy foods, they wreak havoc with my system even at home. So there is a trade-off for me... no food poisoning but regular visits to the WC nonetheless.
Stay hydrated, savour local delicacies cautiously, and be sure to identify the local pharmacy. Remember, the porcelain throne is your temporary sanctuary, and patience is the best medicine for combating these comical but inconvenient moments. Just think of it as your body's way of shedding extra vacation weight.
Unruly Mosquitoes: The Tiny Buzzing Vampires
The melodic symphony of mosquitoes serenading you in the evening breeze is particularly annoying. They seem to love me. Put me in the car with just one mosquito, and I suddenly look like a crazed person.
These tiny winged creatures are not only bothersome, but they also have a knack for carrying tropical diseases such as malaria, dengue fever, or the Zika virus. Protect yourself by wearing insect repellent, using mosquito nets, and covering exposed skin to prevent mosquito bites. (The same for ticks.)
Embrace your fashion-forward mosquito-repellent accessories with DEET or its equivalent. And keep those pesky bloodsuckers at bay. After all, who needs a blood donation without snacks and refreshments?
The Jet Lag Monster: Battling Time Zone Shenanigans
Jet lag loves to toy with our internal clocks as we leap across time zones. This pesky monster can leave you feeling like a sleep-deprived zombie stumbling through the streets of a new city. Hydration, sleep aids, strategic napping, and the mighty power of caffeine can help you tame this creature. Think of it as an opportunity to explore nocturnal activities and stumble upon hidden gems only the sleepless adventurers experience.
Surviving Jet Lag
Delightful Dehydration: The Body's Quest for H2O
Exploring new places often involves extended periods of walking, basking in the sun, and forgetting to quench your body's thirst. Carry a water bottle like a faithful sidekick, hydrate regularly, and revel in the triumph of finding a restroom just when you thought your bladder would burst. Remember, your body is a resilient vessel capable of withstanding the most unusual hydration challenges.
While it's true that illnesses can occasionally join us on our adventures, they rarely overshadow the joy and excitement of exploring new horizons. So pack your sense of acceptance, humour and medical wisdom, and embark on your next adventure with an open heart and a resilient immune system.
Bon voyage, intrepid travellers, and may the travel bug's odds forever be in your favour! I know at times this may be a challenge, but a humorous outlook is the best vaccination against the unexpected twists and turns of the travel bug's mischievous ways. (Pun intended. 😉 )
Here is my follow-up blog post, which shows you how to reduce the risk of illness while travelling.
Thanks for the great post! I think we get sick less often traveling than we ever did living in the US! Maybe its because we are retired now and less stressed. But we have had our share of getting sick while traveling, from COVID in Spain last year to a sinus infection in Montenegro to norovirus on a cruise ship. I think what getting sick while traveling taught us is that we can always figure out how to get help and the medicines we need. There’s also a great nomad-focused health information group on Facebook that is super helpful. And we also like the Air Doctor app when we need to look for a doctor while on the road.
Very informative piece, Roberta. Thanks for sharing this useful guide!