Being sick when you are traveling is awful. Take note of these tips for travel sickness so you can be prepared if you are unlucky.
- Always carry your health insurance card. Some doctors and hospitals won’t even look at you without proof of insurance. There is typically a number on the back of your card or on the insurance company website that you can call to find out if there are urgent care centers, minute clinics or hospitals (if it is dire) nearby that accepts your insurance. Check that first so you don’t get a surprise bill later on for going out of network. Most companies won’t pick up your tab unless you got sick due to something from work.
- If you regularly get headaches or muscle pain, keep a supply of acetaminophen, ibuprofen, aspirin, etc. in your luggage. Most hotels stock them but they tend to charge you as much for one dose as for a whole bottle since they know they have you when you most need them!
- To me, nothing would be worse than getting diarrhea, especially on a plane. Imodium will work and is sold in most hotels and airports. It’s not good to take this unless you really need it because your body is obviously trying to get rid of whatever cootie is inside you, but being in a business meeting or on a plane is not the time to go au natural! For a natural remedy eat or drink anything with coconut, i.e. coconut milk, shredded coconut, coconut macaroons.Complements of The People’s Pharmacy.
- If you are hacking up your right lung and on a plane, do everyone a favor and wear a mask. Embarrassed? Think that you might look silly? Trust me, you will be looked at with disdain without the mask so at least people may feel some sympathy that you aren’t trying to spread it.
- Bellyache? Find some ginger tea or keep some ginger with you in your luggage. It helps your digestive system and also works well for motion sickness.
- I keep a small first aid kit in my luggage. You can buy them at any pharmacy.
- Most hotels stock sports drinks like Gatorade or PowerAde. These come in handy if you are REALLY sick and need electrolytes.
- One thing I highly recommend is a Road Id. You can put any health information as well as your doctor and emergency contact information on it in the event that something happens to you and you are unable to speak.
What are some tips that you have when traveling if you get sick? Share with us so we can learn in order to WorkWell and Play More!
