Traveling to another country is an exciting adventure. It’s important to stay healthy and protected during your trip. Depending on your plans, you may need to take some extra steps to protect yourself. Some travel plans have a higher risk for malaria or altitude sickness. Here are some tips for staying well while you travel.
Malaria
Malaria is a disease spread through the bite of an infected mosquito. If you plan to visit areas with malaria, here’s how to stay protected.
Before your trip
You can help prevent getting sick even before you start your trip. Here are some actions to take before you travel.
- See a care provider. Visit a care provider at least four to six weeks before your trip. They can give you specific medical care for your travels. This can change based on where you are going and what you’ll be doing. If traveling where there is malaria, a care provider can prescribe medicine to prevent infection. If you receive medicine, make sure you know how and when to take it. Some medications need to be started before leaving for your trip. If your trip is sooner than four weeks, see a care provider ASAP. You can schedule a visit with a 24/7 Care provider for travel medications.
- Pack your medications. Remember to take all your prescribed medication with you. Pack extra in case your travel plans change.
- If pregnant, talk to your OB/GYN before traveling where there is malaria.
During your trip
Avoiding mosquito bites in the first place can reduce your risk. Here are some protective steps you can take:
- Use bug spray. Apply bug spray to your skin and clothes. Choose one with DEET, picaridin or oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE).
- Wear protective clothing. Wear items like long sleeves, long pants and socks, especially during early mornings and evenings. This is when mosquitoes are most active. Consider clothing and gear treated with permethrin. This is a chemical that kills and repels mosquitoes.
- Use nets. Sleep under a mosquito net in areas not well-protected from mosquitoes. Use a net treated with insecticide.
- Stay in well-screened areas. This includes places with well-screened windows and doors to keep mosquitoes out.
- Take your prescribed medicine. Follow the instructions on how to take the medicine exactly. Don’t skip doses or stop taking it early.
If you were prescribed malaria prevention medication:
- Talk about treatment options. If a treatment is not affordable, talk with your care provider. Don’t be afraid to ask if there is a more affordable option.
- Start treatment as instructed. Don’t delay starting the treatment. Take it for the full length of time as prescribed.
- Review the side effects. These are included with the prescription.
- Schedule a visit. If you develop side effects, meet with a care provider. This can be with a Teladoc Health or primary care provider. Stop taking the medication until you’ve met with a care provider.
Sometimes malaria prevention medication can’t be provided during a 24/7 Care visit. This can happen when vaccines or extra precautions are needed and can’t be provided virtually. Here are a few in-person options that can help instead:
- Local health department
- Local travel health clinic
- Primary care physician’s office (call ahead of time to confirm)
- Pharmacy (call ahead of time to confirm)
After your trip
When your trip is over, you still need to take certain steps to stay protected.
- Keep taking prescriptions. Continue taking malaria medicine as prescribed. This is true even if you feel fine.
- Watch for symptoms of malaria. These include fever, chills, sweats, headache, muscle aches and tiredness. They can show up even weeks after your trip. If you get sick or have any symptoms, see a care provider right away. Let them know about your travel history.
Altitude sickness
At higher elevations, the air has less oxygen. This can make you feel sick, which is called altitude sickness. This happens because your body needs time to adjust to the thinner air. While altitude sickness can be dangerous, preventing it from starting is possible. Here are some tips.
How to prevent altitude sickness
- Go slow. When traveling to a higher elevation, your body needs time to adjust. Higher elevation is about 8,000 feet (2,400 meters) above sea level. Spend at least one to two days at a lower altitude before going higher. This would be about 5,000 feet (1,500 meters) above sea level. Try to avoid moving up more than 1,000 feet (300 meters) in a day once above 8,000 feet. This slower increase helps your body adjust to the thinner air. This reduces the risk of altitude sickness.
- Stay hydrated and avoid heavy meals. Drink plenty of water and avoid alcohol. Eating lighter meals makes it easier for your body to adjust.
- Medication. To prevent altitude sickness, your care provider might recommend acetazolamide. Take this medication exactly as prescribed. This is usually taken one to two days before reaching high altitude. It’s then continued a few days after you arrive. Follow your care provider’s instructions carefully.
Symptoms to Watch For
Some symptoms of altitude sickness include headache, nausea, dizziness and fatigue.
If you’re climbing or hiking and feel symptoms, stop going up immediately. Find a safe place to rest. Go to a lower altitude ASAP to help your body recover. Stay hydrated and rest until you feel better. If symptoms don’t go away or get worse, get medical help right away.