Travelling is a path to different adventures, new experiences, cultures, and perspectives. However, many health risks affecting your journey often remain unnoticed amid pre-trip planning, which includes sightseeing, dining, and other explorations.
Understanding Unexpected Health Risks While Travelling
These risks vary from common hazards to environmental hazards to diseases one may not know about.
Here is a more detailed report on some of these unexpected health risks to travelers and how to control or contain them:
Here is a more detailed report on some of these unexpected health risks to travelers and how to control or contain them:
Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs) from Accidents
TBIs remain one of the most neglected risks involved in traveling. Accidents happen with changes in scenery, unfamiliar transport means, or engagement in risky outdoor sports. A simple fall, slip, or trip can cause serious head injuries with long-term consequences. Tourists are also at higher risk when driving in countries with unfamiliar road rules, poor road conditions, or limited traffic enforcement. So please wear safety gear, especially when biking, skiing, or doing adventure sports activities to maintain safety. If driving is on your agenda, ensure you plan, understand all local traffic laws, and obey them. Know local emergency contacts, especially in undeveloped places with inadequate medical services. If you weren’t at fault for the accident, you can liaise with a traumatic brain injury lawyer to help protect your rights and ensure proper compensation. If you use travel insurance, confirm with your agency about medical evacuation facilitation of severe injuries.
High-Altitude Sickness
The body can react to reduced oxygen levels for those going into high-altitude areas. Symptoms of the disease include headache, nausea, fatigue, or dizziness, and in very severe cases, irreversible conditions such as high-altitude pulmonary edema (HAPE). You can avoid this by ascending slowly to allow your system some adaptation. Keep drinking fluids, avoid alcohol, or consider medications that can increase acclimatisation. Be aware of your physical limitations, listen to your body's call, and seek immediate medical assistance if any symptoms worsen. This includes confusion, shortness of breath, or intense fatigue.
Carbon Monoxide Poisoning in Accommodation
There have been several cases of carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning that subsequently resulted in fatalities. If you use gas-fired appliances like heaters in poorly ventilated places, carbon monoxide poisoning is often a risk that is often neglected while travelling. Many holiday rentals and hotels in the colder regions use gas heaters, and when vented incorrectly, they can expose their residents to this dangerous, odourless gas. Ask whether there are any CO detectors before renting an accommodation. Avoid using fuel-powered appliances inside, or consider carrying a portable CO detector in unfamiliar accommodations. If dizzy, nauseous, or confused, evacuate the space immediately and get some fresh air. Seek immediate medical assistance, as CO poisoning may lead to delayed incapacitation in the course of one's life.
Allergic Reactions to New Environment
New destinations often expose travellers to unusual allergens, such as food ingredients and local flora. The reaction to allergens varies from person to person. A severe allergic reaction can be elicited by unexpected food ingredients, unfamiliar plants, or insect bites, which can be challenging to predict. Always carry your EpiPen if you have known allergies. Also, research local allergens, be careful when trying new foods, and alert travel companions and hotel staff of any known severe allergies. You can take antihistamines or an EpiPen in an emergency, should the symptoms present. Extreme reactions warrant immediate medical attention, most commonly when a victim experiences difficulty breathing or swelling.
Infections from Animal or Insect Bites
Bites from insects and animals are underrated but highly prevalent health risks. In tropical regions, mosquitoes can carry malaria, dengue, or Zika. You can use insect repellent, especially in areas at risk for mosquito-borne diseases. Avoid wild animals in wildlife areas, and do not contact stray animals by handling them or allowing them to eat from your hand. Get rabies vaccination if travelling to a high-risk area, particularly if you're planning to visit with local wildlife. In an emergency, staunch the bleeding and wash the bite wound with soap and clean water immediately. Seek medical attention for any skin-breaking bite given, as some infections require immediate intervention.
Waterborne Illnesses and Gastrointestinal Disorders
Travelling to countries with different sanitation standards or pathogens in the water poses a risk of waterborne illnesses. Drinking contaminated water can cause travellers to suffer from a variety of symptoms of gastrointestinal issues, including vomiting, diarrhea, and fever. Stick to bottled or filtered water sources in areas where tap water quality is not trusted. Avoid ice cubes if you don't trust the water it was made of. Be alert to undercooked and raw foods when travelling and carry over-the-counter medications to treat stomach issues, such as antidiarrhoeal medicine.
Endnote
While travelling is a thrilling adventure, preparing for the unexpected is essential. Awareness of risks like TBIs from accidents, altitude sickness, and even lesser-known dangers such as carbon monoxide poisoning can help you make safer choices on the road. Staying informed and packing essential supplies will ensure a memorable trip with fewer surprises.
What about you, have you ever been ill abroad? Feel free to share any tips & advice below! (Photo by Porapak Apichodilok on Pexels)
ABOUTME
We overland. We eat plants and fungi. We live outside as much as possible. We are all connected. A female travel blogger overlanding and writing about ecotourism, ethical and sustainable travel, socially conscious travel and housesitting. An online travel magazine since 2015.
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