Dr. Le Thi Truc Phuong, a medical specialist of VNVC Vaccination System, advises that maintaining a healthy digestive system is crucial for travelers to enjoy their trip. Peak summer tourism season usually occurs from late April to August when hot weather creates conditions for bacteria and viruses that cause gastrointestinal diseases to grow rapidly. Traveling can disrupt daily habits, making it challenging to control food quality and safety, which can lead to digestive issues. In order to prevent digestive diseases and stay healthy while traveling, Dr. Phuong suggests five key strategies.
Firstly, getting vaccinated is important as there are various pathogens like Salmonella typhi, E. coli, and rotavirus that can harm the digestive tract. Vaccines for diseases like Rotavirus, hepatitis A, cholera, and typhoid are available and can significantly reduce the risk of infection. It is recommended to consult a doctor for an appropriate vaccination schedule, especially for children.
Maintaining personal hygiene, particularly hand hygiene with soap or antiseptic water, before and after eating, using the toilet, or touching surfaces, is crucial in preventing the spread of pathogens. Handwashing has been shown to reduce diarrhea cases and other gastrointestinal diseases significantly.
Choosing safe foods and avoiding raw or improperly stored dishes can help prevent foodborne illnesses. It is important to be cautious of food hygiene practices in crowded places and consider bringing some stored food for additional nutrition.
Paying attention to the water source and using clean tap water or bottled water is advisable to avoid consuming contaminated water that may cause gastrointestinal issues. Parents should prioritize giving children safe water and avoid using ice from unknown sources.
Lastly, travelers should pack essential medications for gastrointestinal issues, fever, colds, and other common illnesses. People with underlying medical conditions should bring enough prescribed medications to avoid recurrent attacks. Additionally, preparing a list of emergency medical facilities at tourist destinations is recommended for use in case of emergencies.