Is it normal to get sick after international travel?
From flu-like symptoms to digestive tract upsets, feeling ill post-vacation affects up to 80 percent of returning travelers, says Dr. Ashima Oza, a primary care physician and an instructor in the Division of Medicine at Weill Cornell Medicine.
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Many of us will pack our bags and enjoy a nice vacation this year, but some people will return home with more than just a souvenir. The most common health issues that people encounter after a trip include:Minor colds. Fevers.
You may even be doing more or less physical activity than you normally do at home! These changes, especially sleep deprivation and alcohol consumption, can lead to a weakened immune system that can cause you to have flu-like symptoms after traveling.
The dry air, low pressure, and the low amount of oxygen cause the immune system to weaken and can lead to inflamed sinus cavities. This, in addition to being confined in a small area with little airflow, makes it hard to avoid getting sinusitis from another sick passenger.
Think of it as a flying desert. Besides sleepiness, lack of fluid can make you confused or dizzy. Your head may throb. These are warning signals that your body needs attention.
Traveler's diarrhea (by far the most common risk since it affects up to 80% of international travelers based on the destination) Enterotoxic E. coli diarrhea. Malaria.
Disembarkment syndrome is a medical condition that may occur following a sustained motion event like an aircraft flight or cruise. It is a neurological condition that is normally diagnosed by a neurologist when the sufferer reports a persistent swaying, rocking, or bobbing sensation.
Fevers caused by infection are especially common in people who have traveled to developing countries or parts of the world where healthcare resources and sanitation are limited. Any international traveler who develops fever in the weeks after returning home should be evaluated.
Jet belly: (noun) the bloated state in which your stomach inflates post-flight. Also, a very unpleasant feeling. May also make you look like you're 3 months pregnant. So how does one prevent this jet belly? Well, it all depends on what you eat on the plane.