It is well known that stress makes people ill. Less well known is that vacation stress also makes you sick. The idea of going straight from the office to the plane only to catch a sunburn 12 hours later in a completely different climate is absurd. Long-distance travel with a change of climate is pure stress for the immune system. Does that mean you shouldn’t travel? No, of course not. But a sensitive approach to yourself and your immune system is called for. And that means avoiding hectic and stressful situations before the actual vacation trip or keeping them to a minimum and, for example, taking an extra vacation day before departure. Anyone flying into the sun should give their skin and circulation a chance to acclimate:
- If the country’s population takes a three-hour lunch break behind closed windows, you do not necessarily have to set off during this time to the sightseeing marathon.
- The hygiene rules mentioned above also apply here, and a few more at that. Where there are problems with the water supply, only bottled water should be drunk.
- Fresh fruits and vegetables offered by street vendors are better left uneaten if you have not peeled it yourself with a clean knife. The objection that yes the locals eat from it does not count. 14 days of vacation is not enough to accustom the immune system to the other bacterial culture.
- In addition, the following applies: less is more. So approach the vacation with caution, avoid sunburns and heat accumulation and give the body the opportunity to adjust to the new environment.
To ensure that the vacation remains the unique experience as which it was intended, it is worthwhile to consider the following:
- Consistent mosquito and insect repellent.
- Good sun and heat protection
- Adhere to food and drinking water hygiene
- No unprotected intimate contact
- Do not bathe in tropical waters
- Do not walk barefoot
- Take malaria prophylaxis tablets consistently
- Carry a sensible first-aid kit
- In case of indisposition, fever, vomiting consult a doctor
- Do not take antibiotics brought along “on suspicion”.
- Take the address of the embassy on site for emergencies