Staying Healthy During Summer Travel: Essential Tips and Tools

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In the Northern Hemisphere, summer travel is rapidly approaching. While it’s a season of excitement and relaxation, it also marks a time when the risk of contracting viruses is significantly higher. With people traveling from various regions and gathering in popular destinations, the spread of illnesses like norovirus and influenza is particularly prevalent. To ensure that your much-needed break isn’t marred by sickness, here are several strategies to keep yourself healthy.

The Basics of Illness Prevention

  • Hand Hygiene – The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) emphasizes the importance of washing your hands frequently and thoroughly. Effective handwashing involves lathering soap for at least 20 seconds—roughly the time it takes to sing “Happy Birthday”—and rinsing with warm water. Remember, hand sanitizers are not effective against all viruses, such as norovirus, but they can be useful in reducing the spread of other pathogens when soap and water aren’t available.
  • Masking Up – During periods of heightened illness transmission, wearing a mask can be one of the most effective defenses against respiratory illnesses such as COVID-19, RSV, and influenza. Opt for high-quality masks like KN95s or N95s, which filter up to 95% of airborne particles and offer the best protection.
  • Surface Disinfection – When traveling, keep disinfectant wipes handy to clean high-touch surfaces such as airplane tray tables and hotel room fixtures. This simple action can significantly reduce the risk of virus transmission.
  • Safe Drinking Water – Concerns about water quality can also be a significant health issue while traveling. Products like the LifeStraw filter provide a practical solution, ensuring that the water you drink is free from bacteria, viruses, and other contaminants.
  • Staying Hydrated – Keeping hydrated is crucial not only for your overall health but also for enhancing your immune system’s ability to fend off infections. A reliable water bottle like the Owala Freesip can keep your water cool for up to 24 hours, ensuring you stay hydrated throughout your travels.

Monitoring Health: The Importance of a Reliable Thermometer

Despite taking all preventive measures, the possibility of falling ill remains. Many common travel-related viruses cause fever, which the CDC identifies as a temperature of 100.4ºF (38ºC) or higher. Monitoring your body temperature can be a vital step in managing and responding to illness symptoms efficiently.

For this purpose, using an easy-to-use, reliable, and accurate thermometer is essential. The Exergen Temporal Artery Thermometer, known for its precision and non-intrusive method, is an excellent choice for travelers. This thermometer allows you to quickly check your temperature without causing any discomfort, making it ideal for both adults and children.

Regular temperature checks, ideally twice daily, can help you detect fevers early and take appropriate action, such as seeking medical advice or increasing your fluid intake. This not only helps in early treatment but also reduces the risk of spreading the illness to others.

While the anticipation of spring break can lead many to overlook the mundane aspects of health, taking proactive steps to prevent illness is crucial. By adhering to these guidelines—maintaining good hygiene, using protective gear like masks and water filters, and monitoring health signs with a dependable thermometer—you can enjoy your vacation while keeping health risks at bay.

Sources:

EXERGEN P/N 850146, Rev 1