Safe + Necessary tips for travelers
At Nova, we strive to take care of employees and keep them as healthy as possible. As work-related travel increases every year, more and more employees may be susceptible to foreign illnesses. The Global Business Travel Association estimates 1.3 million business trips a day. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about half of these travelers will experience a health problem. Below are a few tips to follow before going on any business trip.
Traveling can be fun and exciting, but without proper planning can be very dangerous. Different countries have different laws and regulations which is why Nova Medical Centers offers special consultations and advice customized to your destination, as well as travel medicines.
- Be careful what you eat and drink
- Avoid raw foods and stick to hot meals that have been cooked thoroughly. Also, be cautious when purchasing food from street vendors
- Try to eat as healthy as possible. There is less risk of getting sick abroad when you have a strong immune system
- Avoid drinking anything that does not come in a sealed bottle unless you see it being prepared
- Do not eat food that has been left out for an extended period. Germs and bacteria in the air and mosquitoes could have infected it
- Be aware of bugs and animals
- Zoonotic Diseases are transmitted between animals and humans. Avoid touching, feeding, or petting any animal unless an expert is present
- Rabies is a viral disease that spreads through the saliva of infected animals. Some animals might not be protected from the disease so it is imperative that you are not licked, scratched, or bitten. Other diseases can be spread through urine, fecal matter, and fleas
- Vector-borne diseases are transmitted by arthropods. Common diseases include malaria, yellow fever, and Zika. Use insect repellent when traveling to areas with hot, humid climates. If bitten by a mosquito, wash the area with soap and water and see a doctor immediately
- Pregnant women should be especially careful when traveling. If bitten by an infected bug, the disease can spread to their unborn child
- Get Vaccinated/Consult a Doctor
- Vaccinations can help prevent individuals from dangerous diseases before the body is exposed to them
- Make sure to see a doctor and get the appropriate vaccinations 4-6 weeks before your departure. Vaccines take time to become effective so try not to wait until the last minute
- Nova Medical Centers offers travel medicines and pre-travel consultation services which include health and safety information specific to your destination
- Have Medications/First Aid Available
- Travel with a small health kit that includes prescription medicines and common over-the-counter drugs and creams. A full list of what to pack in this kit can be found here
- Be sure to travel with your medicine. Avoid buying medications at your travel destination as counterfeit drugs are very common abroad. If you must, make sure it is a licensed pharmacy and carefully analyze the packaging
Other helpful tips when traveling
- Try to shift your sleep schedule to the destination time zone a few days before your departure
- Be alert and keep a good eye on your belongings
- Research your destination and see what is and is not allowed (laws)
- Traveling exposes people to germs. Be sure to continuously wash your hands
- Research the weather, climate, and health risks in the area you are traveling to, and bring the appropriate clothing
- When on long flights, stand up periodically and stay active to avoid blood clots
Nova specializes solely in Occupation Health. Our clinics provide instant, personalized care for employees who will be traveling abroad. It is best to address the risks before coming in contact with the sickness.
