5 TIPS FOR WHEN YOU GET SICK OVERSEAS
The only thing worse than getting sick... is getting sick abroad! You are miles away from your friends and family, your warm comfy bed, and your friendly, local doctors. But a stomach bug or swollen ankle doesn't have to ruin your time abroad, if you know how to deal with it.
Here are 5 tips you need to know for if you get sick overseas.
1. Seek Medical Help: Talk to a Doctor Using HealthTap
It can be pretty scary falling ill while overseas. You may be in a country that doesn't speak your native tongue and not sure which local doctor is best to visit. This is were HealthTap steps in.
HealthTap connects people with top U.S licensed doctors for information and for care to people where ever they may be in the world. There are over 100,000 doctors in the HealthTap network, the world’s largest collective of doctors interacting with patients online and via mobile devices. This means if you fall ill you can speak to a doctor and get medical advice straight away using your iPhone!
2. Travel Insurance is a Must
Getting travel insurance should never be questioned. It is an absolute must. Imagine having to put all that spending money you worked long and hard for into overseas medical bills! Being insured will save you a lot of money, and it also means you won't need to be dealing with medical bills and bureaucracy while you are already feeling at your worst.
3. Stop & Rest
Now we don't mean for you to take it easy. We mean you need to stop exploring that new city you're in and get some bed rest. There is no point trying to push forward with your travel plans as you will just feel worse for longer. We think it's best to stop and take the time needed to put your feet up, binge watch some movies in your hotel room and let your body recover.
4. Pack a First Aid Kit
Packing a first aid kit can be a life saver while you're travelling. We bring one along with us on every trip, and it has come in handy so many times. Amazon sell ones for under $20 with everything you need. Make sure you bring along bandages, gauze, tape, and pain-killers. If you’re planning on doing some adventuring, try to include things like disinfectant swabs, ice packs, or slings. Also, don't forget to pack sunscreen - sunburns can be just as bad as second or third-degree burns.
5. Be Preventative
The key to minimising the chances of getting sick is to combat the risk factors of becoming sick in the first place. Prevention is far better than any cure! There are so many things you can do to help lower the risk of falling ill. Make sure you wash your hands, drink bottled water, be cautious when it comes to street food, try and stay active, get vaccinated... there are so many things you can do to look after your health while abroad.
Over to you. What are your tips & tricks for staying healthy on the road?
Thank you to HealthTapfor sponsoring and supporting Flying The Nest. Our opinion is, as always, our own.