Traveling to a new destination can be one of the most memorable chapters of your life… but it can also expose you to various health risks, including different forms of travel sickness.
Understanding these common ailments (and how to prevent them) can often make-or-break your trip – especially for countries in Africa, Asia and South America (source: NYU Langone Health).
In this article, we will discuss the 4 common types of travel sickness:
- Malaria
- Traveler’s diarrhea
- Motion sickness
- Altitude sickness
Being prepared for these conditions can make the difference between a wonderful trip, and a bedridden experience.
Which ones should you worry about?
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1. Malaria
This mosquito-borne disease is prevalent in many tropical and subtropical regions, particularly in parts of Africa, Asia, and South America. It can cause severe illness and, in some cases, be fatal if not treated promptly.
Symptoms of Malaria
Symptoms of malaria typically appear 7 to 30 days after being bitten by an infected mosquito. Common symptoms include high fever, chills, headache, muscle aches, and fatigue. Other symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. In severe cases, malaria can cause jaundice, seizures, and coma.
How to Prevent Malaria
Preventing malaria involves several strategies:
- Use insect repellent containing DEET
- Try to minimize time spent in areas with open water, vegetation and moisture
- Wear long-sleeved clothing and long pants
- Sleep in an area with air conditioning, and if needed, under mosquito nets treated with insecticide
However, these measures are limited in effectiveness, and most travelers still get significant mosquito exposure after taking these steps.
Doctors and health experts urge travelers to seek anti-malaria medications before, during, and after their trip – as these medications can directly kill the malaria parasite.
Malarone is a common traveler favorite, due to very manageable side effects during travel. It’s taken 1-2 days before departure, and for 7 days after returning (other antimalarials like Doxycycline require 4 weeks after returning).
Treatment for Malaria
If you develop symptoms of malaria, seek medical attention immediately. Malaria can be treated with prescription medications, but early diagnosis and treatment are essential. The type of medication and duration of treatment depend on the species of Plasmodium parasite and the severity of the illness. Complete the full course of treatment even if symptoms improve to ensure the parasite is fully eradicated.
Is There a Vaccine?
Currently, there is no malaria vaccine available in the United States. Antimalarial medications should be the primary focus for travelers, as medications like Malarone are proven highly effective at preventing malaria transmission.
2. Traveler’s Diarrhea
Traveler’s diarrhea is a common illness that affects many travelers. It’s usually caused by consuming contaminated food or water. Bacteria such as E. coli, Salmonella, and Shigella are often responsible for this condition, but viruses and parasites can also be culprits. Traveler’s diarrhea can disrupt your trip and make you feel miserable.
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Symptoms of Traveler’s Diarrhea
Symptoms of traveler’s diarrhea include frequent, loose stools, abdominal cramps, nausea, and vomiting. In some cases, fever and dehydration may occur. Symptoms typically start within a few days of exposure and can last several days. While the illness is usually mild, it can be more severe in some individuals, particularly young children, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems.
How to Prevent Traveler’s Diarrhea
To prevent traveler’s diarrhea, practice good hygiene and be cautious about what you eat and drink:
- Avoid drinking tap water and use bottled or purified water instead.
- Be careful with ice cubes, as they may be made from tap water.
- Eat only well-cooked food and avoid raw fruits and vegetables unless you can peel them yourself.
- Wash your hands frequently with soap and water or use hand sanitizer to reduce the risk of infection.
Treatment for Traveler’s Diarrhea
If you develop traveler’s diarrhea, one of the top priorities is to stay hydrated. Drink plenty of fluids, such as oral rehydration solutions, to replace lost electrolytes.
Many travelers prefer to obtain medications like Azithromycin before leaving, especially for high-risk countries. This antibiotic directly kills the bacteria causing traveler’s diarrhea, and is highly effective at getting you back on your feet to enjoy your trip.
3. Motion Sickness
Motion sickness is a common condition that can occur during travel by car, plane, boat, or train. It happens when there is a disconnect between the sensory signals your brain receives from your eyes, inner ears, and body. This sensory conflict can lead to symptoms of motion sickness, making your travel experience uncomfortable.
Symptoms of Motion Sickness
Symptoms of motion sickness include:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Dizziness
- Sweating
- General feeling of discomfort
These symptoms can vary in intensity and may start suddenly. Some people are more prone to motion sickness than others, and it can affect travelers of all ages.
How to Prevent Motion Sickness
The most reliable way to avoid motion sickness is to carry Scopolamine patches with you (prescription required). These antimuscarinics work by blocking certain inhibitors from the nervous system. Apply this prescription patch behind your ear to prevent & alleviate nausea.
Beyond that, choose a seat where you are least likely to experience motion, such as the front seat of a car, over the wing on a plane, or the middle of a boat. Focus on the horizon or a fixed point in the distance. Avoid reading or using electronic devices while in motion, as this can worsen symptoms. Eating light, non-greasy meals before travel can also help.
Treatment for Motion Sickness
If you start to feel motion sickness, try to relax and take deep breaths. A Scopolamine patch can also be applied after symptoms begin, if you haven’t already applied one yet.
Some travelers find small-to-moderate relief with the addition of natural remedies as well, such as ginger or acupressure wristbands. If motion sickness is severe or persistent, consult a healthcare provider for additional treatment options.
4. Altitude Sickness
This occurs when you ascend high altitudes (mostly mountains) too rapidly – although it can still cause negative effects during slow ascension too. It’s common in travelers visiting mountainous regions where the elevation is above 8,000 feet (2,400 meters). The reduced air pressure and lower oxygen levels at high altitudes can cause altitude sickness, affecting your ability to enjoy your trip.
Symptoms of Altitude Sickness
Symptoms of altitude sickness include fatigue, dizziness, headache, vomiting, nausea, and troubles breathing.
These symptoms usually appear within hours of reaching high altitude. In rare cases, altitude sickness can lead to medical emergencies, such as high-altitude cerebral edema (HACE) or high-altitude pulmonary edema (HAPE).
How to Prevent Altitude Sickness
Preventing altitude sickness involves ascending gradually to allow your body to acclimatize.
- Harvard Health recommends spending some time at a moderate altitude before going higher. We recommend at least 12 hours, and ideally 1-3 days.
- Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids and avoid alcohol and caffeine, as they can exacerbate symptoms.
- Eat a high-carbohydrate diet to maintain energy levels.
If you have any doubts before ascending, medications such as Diamox (found here) are highly effective in preventing altitude sickness. Consult a doctor before your trip for further guidance.
Treatment for Altitude Sickness
If you develop symptoms of altitude sickness, descend to a lower altitude as soon as possible. Rest and avoid physical exertion until symptoms improve. Over-the-counter pain relievers can help alleviate headaches. In severe cases, oxygen therapy or medications such as dexamethasone may be necessary. Seek medical attention if symptoms worsen or do not improve with descent.
Need recommendations based on your country of travel?
Head to our homepage and select your country from the dropdown, which will show which ailments to prioritize avoiding. For example – some countries are at high risk for malaria, and some have a greater risk of traveler’s diarrhea.
This will give you a sense of which medications you may & may not want to consider, and will allow you to initiate a highly-affordable $30 consultation (as opposed to $50-100 with most other providers).
