Travel bug: Don’t get sick on that trip

MANILA, Philippines – Everybody needs to take a break from the hustle and bustle of the Metro. But before you pack your bags and high off to your escape, don’t forget one important thing: your health. You wouldn’t want to travel with a pack of tissue or lie in bed all day while others soak up the sun, right? Or worse, get everybody else in the trip sick.

This rainy season can really take its toll on your health. When you travel, the unpredictable weather can compromise your health especially if you are not taking steps to protect yourself. And just as your doctor or parents have stressed over and over, the best way to avoid getting sick is to upgrade your immune system. We often forget how little things go a long way like taking multivitamins rather than just vitamin C.

When you decide to take a short vacation, you should be able to enjoy it no matter what. So here are some tips to stay in tiptop shape before and during travel:

1. 8 to 10 glasses a day

Artificial juice, soda or any other sugary beverage will make you even more dehydrated – so drink water! Drinking plenty of water directly affects your immune system. It keeps you hydrated, which is important for your body to function properly; it keeps your body temperature balanced and flushes out toxins from your body. 

2. Sleep is your best friend

Vacation = partying all night, exploring the great outdoors, and meet-the-sunrise conversations. But not getting enough rest while on vacation will not do your health any good. Lack of sleep can also affect your immune system. If you’re exposed to a virus, there’s a bigger chance of catching it. It can also affect how long you’ll recover from a sickness.

Of course this doesn’t mean that you can’t stay past 12 midnight, just make sure that it’s not a daily thing and that you are able to recharge. It is a vacation, after all.

3. Be a stickler for hygiene

Protect yourself and your immune system by keeping your hands clean. You can be exposed to dirty and contaminated surfaces and objects, especially if you are taking public transport when you travel. So always have hand sanitizer, alcohol or wet wipes to keep your hands clean. When you have the chance, regularly wash your hands with soap and water.

4. Practice regular exercise

Ah, yes. You also have the excuse to eat whatever you want since you’re on vacation. It will be particularly difficult if you want to taste the delicacies of the place you’re in. So make sure that after you consume all the calories, you still find time to burn them afterwards.

Exercise slows down the release of stress related hormones and it allows white blood cells, your immunity cells, to circulate at a quicker rate. If you have a regular exercise routine, do it! If not, take a walk, have a swim a few hours after. It will make you feel much better after (over) eating.

5. Take your multivitamins

We’re told to take our vitamin C regularly to avoid getting sick, but come to think of it, it may not be enough. When you travel, you will be exposed to different people, pollution and areas that are not necessarily as clean as they’re supposed to be. So instead of taking just vitamin C, try to switch it up and take multivitamins with Zinc, Vitamins A, C and E to upgrade your immune system. Have yourself covered because as they say, prevention is better than cure.

Watch this video how your multivitamins can better protect you.

Take note of these tips before you head out for your vacation to upgrade your immune system. That way, you get to make the most out of it without fear of catching a bug. – Rappler.com