Originally published August 7 2005
Following certain steps can prevent illness during traveling
by Mike Adams, the Health Ranger, NaturalNews Editor
It is quite common for people to become ill while traveling ,but this can be prevented using simple measures.
Travel isn't for sissies: As more of us seek exotic or adventurous vacations, from going on safari in Kenya to hiking in New Zealand to sunbathing in BaIi, vacation illness is a fact of life.
"About half of travelers develop some sort of health problem while on vacations lasting two weeks," says Phyllis Kozarsky, M.D., expert consultant to the Travelers' Health section of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in Atlanta.
And we're not just talking faraway destinations - even trips closer to home can do a number on your digestive system, expose you to viruses or put you at risk for skin ailments.
Here are five common vacation-related illnesses and how to avoid them, as well as five odd, lesser-known conditions that can strike travelers to more adventurous locales.
Highly contagious viruses, such as the Norwalk virus, also are potential culprits, especially on cruise ships, where they can spread rapidly via contact with infected travelers or contaminated food or water.
You may also develop an allergic reaction to the sun, breaking out in an itchy, bumpy rash.
And combine the sun with drinking alcohol and you may even develop "margarita hand": "If you squirt lime juice intended for your margarita or beer on your hand, you will break out in a slightly raised rash when the lime interacts with the sun," Joyce explains.
To prevent bites, wear boots and long pants when in damp, grassy areas and apply insect repellent with DEET to your skin.
If you're stuck on a cruise, ask the ship's doctor about prescribing drugs to stop your vomiting until you get your sea legs (usually after a couple of days).
Jaundice can be a sign of hepatitis virus or even leptospirosis, a bacterial infection you can get from swimming in fresh water that is contaminated by animal urine (even in "civilized" places like Hawaii, where it's common).
All content posted on this site is commentary or opinion and is protected under Free Speech. Truth Publishing LLC takes sole responsibility for all content. Truth Publishing sells no hard products and earns no money from the recommendation of products. NaturalNews.com is presented for educational and commentary purposes only and should not be construed as professional advice from any licensed practitioner. Truth Publishing assumes no responsibility for the use or misuse of this material. For the full terms of usage of this material, visit www.NaturalNews.com/terms.shtml