21 FEBRUARY, 2019

7 THINGS YOU CAN DO TO AVOID GETTING SICK WHILE TRAVELING

You’re finally going on that much-awaited and deserved vacation. The last thing you would want to happen is to feel the flu symptoms and get sick. Then you’ll have to waste precious time away from work trying to get better in your hotel room instead of going to the tourist spots. Aside from getting a flu shot before traveling, take a look at these tips to help you stay healthy before, during, and after your vacation.

Wear a flu mask

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Make it a habit to wear a flu mask whenever you’re out on public areas such as malls, parks, cinemas, and even in parties. You never know if the next person to you is already infected with the flu virus or is a carrier. Wearing a flu mask will protect you from the virus through its filter.

Knowing how to wear it correctly is also important. You need to read the instructions and make sure that the white side faces you and the colored one is out. In addition, remember to wash your hands before and after you touch your face mask. Doing this would be one of the ways to avoid catching a cold on a plane. It doesn’t matter that you look like some weird guy with a mask, as long as you don’t have the flu or sore throat after flying.

Don’t forget to clean up

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Aside from wearing a face mask to protect yourself from the elements, another way to stay healthy is by taking a shower and changing to clean clothes when you get home. Obviously, doing so will wash away the dust, dirt, viruses, and bacteria you’ve accumulated in your hair, skin, and clothes throughout the day.

Don’t forget to put your clothes in a bin that’s in an area of your room or house away from your electric fan and/or air conditioning system so that the germs don’t spread. You can also opt to spray disinfectant on the bin every time you put dirty clothes in it.

Avoid late nights

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Going out on late night parties sure sounds fun, but did you know staying up late can cause serious problems for your health? One of the effects of sleeping late would be a weakened immune system, according to a study by the University of California, San Francisco.

Combine your weakened immune system with all the viruses and bacteria out there, you’re almost guaranteed to feel sick the very next day. It also affects your mood, which can cause a problematic trip – especially if you’re out with someone. So as fun as it sounds, avoid sleeping late at night and get enough sleep.

Eat a healthy diet

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One of the most effective ways to avoid flu when traveling or any sickness for this matter is to have a healthy diet. Skip on those burgers, steaks, and other fried food. Instead, eat more fruits, vegetables, seeds, and nuts.

Eating the right kind of food will boost your immunity against most common colds and flu. Best of all, it’s natural. You can eat it fresh, turn it into a salad or even make a smoothie or shake with it. Mix it up and create a full course meal of fresh and healthy food. There are plenty of cookbooks and videos out there that can teach you what you can do with a handful of fruits and vegetables.

You can continue eating healthy when you reach your destination. Explore the local market and, if possible, cook your own food or buy healthy, fresh meals.

Take your vitamins

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Another tip on how to avoid getting sick on your vacation is by taking your vitamins. It’s highly recommended by doctors to take over-the-counter multivitamins to further boost your immunity. That’s because vitamin C can’t fight all the viruses and bacteria alone. Moreover, drinking multivitamins in prescribed moderation will help you feel energized and healthy.

Aside from vitamin C, look for vitamin B6 and vitamin E, which supports biochemical reactions in the immune system and acts as a powerful antioxidant to fight any infections, respectively.

Get some sunshine

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It’s no secret that our immunity develops as it faces new viruses and bacteria. Staying at home in your room is no way to help it evolve. That’s why you need to go out often and take in the sunshine, preferably when it’s cool and comfy, to help your immune system get stronger.

Go for a walk in the park, visit your local café or simply stay on your front porch. Enjoy the fresh air or chat with a friend. What matters is that you go out and help your immunity get stronger before your vacation.

Hit the gym

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Another way to stop the flu and be able to travel by air to Alta Vista de Boracay is to hit the gym regularly. Exercising is a good way to de-stress, improve your immune system, and make your body stronger and leaner at the same time.

Improve your cardio, burn calories, and get that ripped body just in time for that beach trip. And more importantly, going to the gym frequently is a good way to strengthen your immune system, de-stress, and make your body stronger. Luckily, there are plenty of hotels now that have a gym as an added amenity.

Don’t forget to take a break

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While being active, drinking your vitamins, and eating right are good ways to stay healthy, don’t forget to take some time off to rest your body, mind, and soul. According to a 2013 research study, your body releases immune system compounds called cytokines when you sleep. This helps strengthen your immune system, and helps fight inflammation and infection. Sleep at least seven to eight hours a day to help you stay healthy in time for your vacation.

Nobody would like to stay in their hotel for days wrapped up in a blanket and sneezing their vacation away in a foreign land because they’re sick. You’ll miss out on all the fun of discovering new places, people, and culture. So before you book that ticket, remember these tips on how to stay healthy so you can enjoy your trip to the fullest.