Everyone’s in the festive mood to set off on vacation in anticipation of the Year of the Snake. International SOS, one of th elders in global medical and security assistance, cautions that many medical ailments and accidents can be avoided this festive season with careful consideration and planning.
“Travellers can improve the chance of a stress-free holiday by planning ahead and taking some simple health precautions during Chinese New Year holiday period,” said Dr. Alan Tan, Deputy Medical Director of International SOS Malaysia.
Health Comes First
Before leaving home, make sure you know how your personal health could be affected by your destination. When traveling outside of the country, check the recommended vaccinations for your destination and immunize accordingly, and eat as healthily as you can and stay hydrated.
Chinese New Year falls during flu season, so get a flu shot as soon as you can. This is especially important for people in higher-risk groups such as young children, older adults, pregnant women, or people with underlying medical conditions. Don’t forget to practice good personal hygiene and sanitize you hands frequently.
Also be aware of what you drink or eat while traveling as the last thing you want to endure is diarrhea in the middle of your journey. Drink only boiled or bottled water for drinking, and try to avoid beverages with ice. Select thoroughly cooked food and consume it while fresh and hot.
Accident Awareness
Road accidents are becoming more rampant these days, so if you’re driving, make sure to have plenty of sleep before your embark on your journey. Avoid traveling at night and break up longer trips into shorter and more manageable drives.
Always create a back-up plan for assistance service providers in case of an emergency. It’s especially crucial to be vigilant about petty crime, so keep a watchful eye on your valuables and avoid wearing expensive jewelry when you’re out.
Plan Ahead
Don’t wait until the last minute for problems to take place. If you’re prone to allergies, seek the help of your physician to provide you with the necessary medication. Furthermore, look into regulations on medical and pharmaceutical products on flights, should you be traveling by air.
Furthermore, know your schedule, have access to good maps, learn a few phrases in the local locanguage and research any issues in advance. Also, be sure to follow the news for the area in which you are traveling.
