Common Injuries and Ailments for Travelers

Anything can happen when you travel abroad, and that goes for injuries and ailments, of course. If you feel seriously unwell or are injured, it’s always wise to go to a doctor. But according to TK TK, there are a range of common injuries and ailments faced by travelers that are easy enough to treat, so long as you are prepared.

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Let’s take a look at some of the most common things you may run into. All of these can be easier to navigate if you come prepared with a properly stocked first-aid kit.

Environmental Ailments

• Dehydration: This often occurs for a simple reason — hot weather with not enough hydration while you’re on the go. It can also occur if you are exerting yourself more than you do at home.
• Sunburn & heat exhaustion: This results from prolonged sun exposure without protection, especially if travelers are coming from a cooler climate and are not acclimated to heat.
• Altitude sickness: If you rapidly ascend to high altitude or exert yourself too much at high altitude, you can easily find yourself with altitude sickness.
• Motion sickness: This can occur during flights, boat trips, or car rides.

Food and Water–Related Ailments

• Food poisoning: This commonly occurs from eating unfamiliar or improperly handled foods.
• Traveler’s diarrhea: Similar to food poisoning, this is caused by contaminated food or water.
• Allergic reactions: This can be triggered by eating new foods, exposure to foreign plants, or even insect stings.

Common Traveler Injuries

• Slips, trips, and falls: Even leisurely adventures can result in slips and falls on uneven terrain, wet surfaces, or icy paths.
• Road accidents: These are more likely in countries with different driving rules, or if you are riding a motorbike or other vehicle you’re not used to at home.
• Sports and adventure injuries: The more adventurous your trip, the more likely you are to face sprains, fractures, and concussions, whether you’re hiking, skiing, or diving.
• Animal and insect bites: Mosquito bites are a particularly common offender, and some can transmit illness, depending on where you are traveling.
• Burns and cuts: These commonly result from cooking, camping, or exposure to hazardous materials.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT): This is a high-risk ailment that can occur due to long-haul flights with limited movement.

What to Pack in a Travel First-Aid Kit

Below are some of the necessary medical supplies you may want to pack in your first-aid kit, according to the Red Cross.

Remember to go through your kit regularly — both before and after each trip — to check on the shelf life of the products, get rid of any out-of-date contents, and make sure you have all the requisite dosing information and instructions to safely administer medication.

Prescription Medications

In addition to your first-aid kit, you should also bring an ample supply of any prescription drugs you typically take. It’s worth bringing more than you need for the duration of your trip in case you’re delayed, lose your luggage, or something unexpected occurs.

For certain destinations, a travel doctor may prescribe medication, such as antibiotics, as a just-in-case precaution. This is useful to have on hand if you experience serious traveler’s diarrhea, as it prevents you from having to seek out care or find a reputable pharmacy in your destination.

Keep all medications and prescriptions in their original packaging with dosage information displayed. This will help you clear any security hassles. Bring copies of any prescriptions from your doctor in case you need to get a replacement. And if you take prescription medications for any serious or life threatening conditions, speak to your doctor before you travel to see if there’s anything you need to be aware of.