• While in an enclosed area with many people like the cabin of an airliner wearing a surgical style mask is helpful to block some bacteria, viruses pollen and dust, especially germs propelled from sneezers.

 

• Stay hydrated. Do not allow yourself or loved ones to dehydrate. Drink lots of water, especially with the lower humidity of flight cabins. Alcohol will increase your risk of dehydration, especially on long flights.

 

• Exercise prudence when eating fruits or vegetables, especially in foreign lands. Make certain that if it is not cooked thoroughly by boiling or lengthy slow roasting that you can peel the outer surface (like an orange.)

 

• Carefully select roasted or cooked meats, especially in foreign lands. Not all bacteria can be killed quickly over an open flame. All meats, poultry, and fish should be cooked thoroughly.

 

• Use both sheets on the bed. Blankets and bedspreads are cleaned less frequently than bed sheets. It is more hygienic to have the often-washed sheets next to your skin than blankets.

 

• Use antiseptic towelettes to wipe down items that might be a harbinger of bacteria, like the toilet handle, telephone, or knobs.

 

• Latest studies have concluded that sitting for protracted periods of time can increase the risk of internal blood clots. The clot can travel and lodge in other parts of your body often resulting in stroke. Standing, stretching, twisting or other active movement can often allay this.

 

• Water and drinking (specially) in foreign lands: Only drink bottled water and make certain that the cap is factory-sealed. There are many stories about water bottles filled from local non-purified sources and recapped with any cap they can find. Confirm that the bottle of water is delivered to you with the seal intact. Other drinks that are less risky are alcoholic, bottled soft drinks, a boiling hot cup of coffee or tea. Ice is usually made from tap water and subject to the same bacteria content.

 

• While on a cruise or in a hotel don’t use the hot tub in your room because there is often stagnant, potentially bacteria-laden water remaining in the pump from the previous user and the staff usually only cleans the basin.

 

• Tap water usually has some level of bacteria present. Visiting a foreign country and drinking the tap water can be risky. While the tap water in most European and other westernized countries have been well-treated,A visitor from other countries coming to the US may not be able to tolerate common bacteria in the water which may be harmless to those in USA.

 

• In case you do get sick make certain to have your vital medical information carried in your wallet. Include blood type, allergies, and medications. Understand the limits of your medical insurance, especially if you travel to foreign countries. Know that most policies have different limits and exclusions if you are outside the United States. Travel medical coverage available through www.travelhealthinsurance.com, www.nyig.com,

www.worldwidemedical.com, and www.medexassist.com, among others.

 

• Always check with a travel doctor to confirm that you have inoculations and other preventative medications well before you leave. Certain drugs for malaria like Larium have newer replacements with fewer side affects. You should meet with the doctor a month before departure to establish a timetable. Reveal all of your intended travel points.

 

• For those that may have a sexual encounter with someone other than a long-time partner, one word, condoms. Not sure? Then pack ‘em.

 

• It is close to impossible to avoid all risk. Remain aware of the risks so you can make an informed choice regarding the level of risk you can tolerate.