If you have a medical condition such as asthma, diabetes, or even if you feel slightly sick before a flight, there is no need to forfeit your journey entirely. You can still travel comfortably and safely, despite your medical condition.
Here are the key things you need to keep in mind when going on a holiday while dealing with a medical condition:
Plan for the Worst
When you are traveling with a medical condition, you need to always think of the worst-case scenario. This includes making a list of the closest hospitals and remembering to stock up on the medications needed to make your journey easier.
The last thing you need to do is run around looking for specific medications while on vacation. Try to shop for these medical supplies online before your journey so you can have them on hand when you need them.
Take All Necessary Precautions
Who better to consult about your travel plans than your usual healthcare team? Your doctor will be able to determine what you can and can’t do on your trip while ensuring that you’ve taken all the shots you need to protect yourself and others.
Your doctor may also write out prescriptions for in-case events. If you are planning on taking vaccinations so that you can visit a specific place, try to book your doctor’s appointment at least a month ahead.
That way, if the vaccines are not in stock, your care team will be able to order them for you before you head off.
Master the Art of Seamless Airport Checks
It’s much easier to travel with medication when taking a road trip as opposed to flying. That’s why if you’re going to pass through airport security, you need to read up on all the requirements before you show up at the airport.
Generally, you need to pack medications in see-through bags and have a doctor’s note which states why the medications are necessary. In the US, it may also be worth your while to consider getting TSA precheck, which can often expedite the screening process.
It may not be smooth sailing at every checkpoint, but at least you’ll be prepared for any sticky situations that may arise while traveling with your medical condition.
Research Everything
Most people do a lot of research before they even decide to travel. Your research should include everything from suitable restaurants to local medical facilities and emergency numbers.
It’s good to do some research on popular foods if you’re going overseas as some food types may aggravate your medical condition. For example, rice can be problematic for conditions like diabetes or diseases caused by inflammation. If you’re sensitive to certain foods, it may be worth carrying snacks with you until you find some local meals you can enjoy.
Keep Yourself Well Hydrated and Busy
Boredom can quickly lead to discomfort for those with both chronic and acute conditions. That’s why it’s a good idea to pack devices and supplies you can use to keep your mind distracted. This will ensure you’re not focusing on your sickness the whole time. This can be a portable DVD player, or streaming on your phone. You may find games to be a good distraction as it keeps your brain thinking about your next steps. Mobile games are a wise start, or you can look at websites such as talkie-ai.com, for instance, as this is a platform with a lot of things that will keep you busy.
The plane pressure may aggravate your ears and make you feel sick, so be prepared with earplugs, tissues, extra clothes, and a travel towel.
When it comes to traveling with a medical condition, you can never be over-prepared! Nevertheless, taking a journey also requires living in the moment. You may need to go the extra mile to make your travels easier, but having a medical condition doesn’t mean that you should stop living.
