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According to a recent article published by Travel Market Report, 1.5 million college students travel for spring break at some point between late February and mid April. While traditional beach getaways are still popular for spring break, Gen Z would rather travel internationally and have a cultural experience in places like Italy, Japan and Thailand. In addition to budgeting and logistics, thanks to the recent Coronavirus outbreak, travelers also need to be cautious of their health.
As of March 1, 2020, the World Health Organization reports 88,930 confirmed cases of the Coronavirus and 3,043 confirmed deaths worldwide. The virus, which originated in Wuhan, China, is also confirmed in Japan, Australia, Thailand, the U.S. and Germany. China remains under a “Level 4: Do Not Travel” advisory, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention encourages travelers to cancel any upcoming trips to China.
While the Coronavirus is one of the more extreme healthcare scares travelers may experience, it’s important to take measures to stay healthy, whether taking a roadtrip or traveling internationally. Travel experts suggest the following tips to avoid getting sick while on a trip:
1. Wash your hands.
Hand sanitizer is also a helpful tool to keep germs and bacteria at bay.
2. Hydrate.
Drinking enough water is an important daily habit, especially when traveling.
3. Boost your immunity.
Because of the recycled air on planes, experts suggest taking Vitamin C prior to take off.
4. Get enough sleep.
Getting enough sleep is key to maintaining a healthy immune system.
In addition to the tips above, TimelyCare’s Chief Medical Officer Alan Dennington offers some good advice. “The plane is a contained environment where air is circulated, potentially exposing you to pathogens from people in other parts of the plane,” said Dennington. “The air is also very dry causing your nasal passages to dry out, which increases your vulnerability to infections. Try shutting off your personal air vent on the plane and using saline nasal spray to help decrease your chances of getting sick.”
Despite adhering to healthy travel advice, there’s still a chance that you will return from your trip feeling under the weather. Addressing your symptoms early is key to getting better, and using TimelyCare will allow you to speak with a medical provider 24/7/365. If you happen to get sick while on your trip, don’t forget that you can also access TimelyCare while you are away from campus (can only be used in the United States).
