Before you travel this holiday season, make sure you’re prepared not only for the Real ID TSA check but also for potential health risks. When traveling, you can encounter many different germs and illnesses. It’s best to follow these tips to help ensure you have a smooth and healthy trip.
Health Travel Tips
1. Make sure you are up to date on vaccinations
It’s important to ensure you and your family are up to date on vaccinations before traveling anywhere to prevent illness and reduce the spread of disease.
If you are traveling out of the country, plan ahead and get required vaccinations for all countries you and your family plan to visit. Some countries require different vaccines that might require multiple doses over a longer period of time. It’s best to vaccinate a month before you travel so your body can build up immunity. More info on what vaccines to get:
Travel Vaccines | Snohomish County Health Department, WA
2. Wash hands frequently
Washing your hands for at least 20 seconds is one of the best ways to prevent illness while traveling. Handwashing with soap and water is most effective, but hand sanitizer is a great option when you can’t wash your hands. Keep hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol on hand for times when a sink isn’t available.
3. Pack a travel health kit
Bring a kit with health items you may need on your trip. Some things can be harder to find where you travel. This kit could include prescription and over-the-counter medicines, a first aid kit, menstrual products, sunscreen, tissues, hand sanitizer, and your health insurance card.
4. Make sure you have all the medications you need
If you or your child take prescription medication, make sure you have enough to last the entire trip. Put in refill requests early so there’s no last-minute scramble at the pharmacy.
5. Have a plan for if someone gets sick
While we hope your trip is peaceful and enjoyable, it’s important to be prepared. Before you depart, create a plan with your family in case someone becomes ill during the trip. If you’re traveling out of the country, review what your health insurance covers abroad.
6. Remember to bring insect repellent
Mosquitos and other insects are one of the biggest spreaders of diseases. Bugs like mosquitos, fleas, and ticks can spread severe diseases such as malaria, yellow fever, Zika. Make sure to pack repellent, especially if you will be doing a lot of outdoor activities.
7. Wear SPF
Sunscreen can be an easy thing to forget while traveling but is crucial to prevent sunburns. Sunscreen isn’t just for the beach; snowy weather can contribute to sunburns as well. It’s also a good idea to bring Aloe to treat any sunburns you or your child might get.
Stay safe this holiday season! We hope you and your family have a healthy and joyful vacation.
Your health is a priority at home and wherever you travel.
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