You lay in bed and feel your plans wither away, much like your physical strength. And to add insult to injury, you can’t go back immediately, you’re technically on vacation but stuck in a single room for its entirety. Many people know this pain, and they wouldn’t wish it on anyone. Here are a few pointers to help you travel in a healthier fashion.

The Pre-Checkup:

It’s always a good idea to have a pre-check up with your doctor before going on vacation. This will ensure if you’re healthy enough to travel. And if you’re not, you can postpone it. This is meant for everyone but is pivotal for people with chronic conditions.

Medical History:

Take a USB and put your medical history on it. It’s cheap and easy to carry, and if by chance you run into health issues you can use it to get treated quickly without having to explain it all again. It should include any allergies you have, all the medications you’re currently on as well as a list of emergency contact numbers. Do this for everyone traveling with you, and to ensure the USB doesn’t go amiss, put it on your key chain.Another option is to print several copies of it and take them along.

Prescription Medication:

Be sure to take extra of your prescribed medicines in case of an unexpected delay (at the airport or your destination). You may have to stay longer and perhaps the pharmacies there might not sell that particular medication. While this is unlikely it’s better to be safe than sorry. And label it properly – this will help you get through Airport security quicker.

Insurance:

Get travel insurance. Personal insurance does not cover medical emergencies you might incur abroad. There are exceptions to this of course, but very few and these have certain conditions in which they cover you. Be sure to check if your insurance will cover the expenses for any medical treatment you might receive abroad. In any case it’s good to be covered while traveling.

Websites and Apps:

There are many websites and online resources which provide a wealth of information on travel heath. These include the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the State Department. There is a Traveler’s Health Section on the CDC website which is full of useful information and advice on how to travel in a healthy fashion. TraveWell is a mobile app that can help with your packing lists and storing medical information. If you’re worried about eating food abroad, CDC has another app called ‘Can I Eat This’ which will let you assess how risky it is to eat or drink something.