Dr. Nesochi gives tips on how to avoid getting sick while traveling this summer on FabFitFun.

How to Avoid Getting Sick While Traveling This Summer

With summer comes lots of traveling, but nothing is worse than getting sick while you’re on vacation.

Luckily, there are a few preventative measures you can take to avoid falling ill — so you can have the vay-k you deserve. Here are five ways to avoid getting sick while traveling this summer.

1. Drink a lot of water.

Staying hydrated is essential when it comes to traveling. “Drinking a sufficient amount of fluids is a must in order to avoid dehydration, especially amidst the intense summer heat,” says Nesochi Okeke-Igbokwe, M.D., M.S. “Some symptoms of dehydration may include weakness, dizziness, headaches, and dry mouth.”

2. Wash your hands.

Whether you’re flying or on a road trip, you might unknowingly come in contact with someone else who is sick and subsequently be exposed to plenty of germs. “You need to protect yourself and ensure you wash your hands frequently throughout the course of your travels,” says Okeke-Igbokwe. “Also, carrying and using a travel size hand sanitizer is helpful during those moments in which you can not wash your hands with soap and water.”

3. Stretch.

If you have a long flight, it’s best not to be seated for the entire duration of the trip. “Remaining sedentary can increase your risk [of] deep vein thrombosis (blood clot formation),” says Okeke-Igbokwe. “Make sure you get up from your seat to move around and also incorporate some good calf exercises and stretches while seated during your flight.”

4. Choose your food carefully.

“Be aware of how your food is being prepared to avoid eating anything that may be potentially contaminated,” says Okeke-Igbokwe. “Food contamination can expose the body to bacterial pathogens that may lead one to experience various illnesses such as travelers diarrhea.”

5. Get enough sleep.

It can sometimes be difficult, but getting enough sleep is crucial when traveling. “Your body needs sleep for a reason,” says Dr. Jack Dybis, DO, co-founder of IVme Wellness + Performance. “You recharge everything when you are well-rested, including your immune system.

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