Travel, Illness Prevention, and Travel Insurance

Well-laid plans and health insurance won't shield you from the common cold. Alas, colds and the flu (influenza) are more likely to attack when you travel than when you stay home. While time is the only known cure for the common cold, you can do a few things to prevent problems.

Flue ShotDid You Get Your Flu Shots?

Your first line of defense against influenza, particularly during the flu season, is making sure you get flu shot before you travel. While a flu shot won't protect you from every viral flu strain, it will protect you from the more common strains.

Be aware that your risk of infection goes up with the amount of travel. Flu viruses are spread in crowded conditions such as airplanes and subways. If your immune system is compromised by the fatigue of travel and jet lag, you're more likely to succumb to infection. Pregnant women, elderly people and small children are also at greater risk.

Besides preparing with a flu shot, try to avoid crowds, eat a healthy diet, drink plenty of fluids and wash your hands frequently.

Flu in the Summer?
Did you know that the flu season is different in tropical countries? While we associate the flu with the onset of winter, in some countries, it rages year round. That's a tricky problem, since you may not have access to flu shots in summer. Talk to your doctor about travel vaccination options well in advance of your trip, and leave plenty of time to get over side effects, if they should occur.

Can I Prevent a Cold?

Nothing spoils a trip faster than a cold, particularly in the summer months when it's unexpected. You're exposed to people from all over the world as you roam through airports and are squeezed into airplanes, breathing re-circulated air that is laden with germs. Unfortunately, no travel vaccination can prevent the common cold.

Cold germs are easily spread by coughing and sneezing, so avoid people who are spreading germs on airplanes, trains and buses. Take extra doses of vitamins before boarding and hope for a healthy seatmate. Wash your hands often, as germs live on doorknobs, hand rails, currency, telephone receivers and many other sites. If you can't wash your hands, carry antibacterial hand gel or hand wipes to use before you eat.

If you do get a cold, take a good decongestant before you fly. Congestion can be a problem with sudden changes in cabin pressure. Avoid spreading germs by coughing or sneezing into a tissue, and dispose of soiled tissues properly.

When you arrive at your destination, plan for a few days' rest. Drink plenty of fluids. Chicken soup may not cure your cold, but the heat will help relieve congestion.

Travel Vaccinations

Check with your doctor or the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) regarding health risks in countries you plan to visit. Arrange for travel vaccinations well in advance of your departure. Many countries require proof that you've been immunized. This is to halt the spread of disease and not only for your protection.

Traveling With a Bug

If you already have the flu or a cold, consider postponing your vacation. Traveling with a fever can be dangerous, particularly if you're unsure of the exact nature of the disease. Your doctor should help you decide what to do, depending on the country you're planning to visit, how much time you'll have to get well and how active you plan to be.

Travel Insurance

Whether or not you are ill before departing for your trip, if you are prone to illness or just want to take precaution, getting travel insurance is a safe bet. Many insurance companies offer policies that last the duration of a vacation and may cover anything from hospitalization to loss of luggage to trip interruption (if your trip is cut short because an immediate family member’s death). Details of a policy, including deductibles, rates and claim submission, should be discussed with your provider. Travel insurance can give you peace of mind by offering you coverage in a foreign country’s health system.