Don’t mess with these travel maladies.
On a recent trip to Egypt, I opted for sky-high heels during a dinner event (to be fair, they looked amazing!) and ended up with an ugly blister. I wasn’t especially worried. I simply tried to keep it covered and clean during the remainder of my holiday. It seemed fine.
A few days later, on my flight home, I felt my ankle start to throb. Soon, my entire foot looked angry, puffy, and red. I booked an urgent care visit as soon as I landed stateside. The diagnosis: cellulitis, a dangerous skin infection that can be life-threatening if left untreated.
I responded well to antibiotics, but it was an important lesson. There are certain symptoms none of us should ever ignore when we are far from home, no matter how much we want to push through. Here’s when experts say you *must* seek medical attention.
INSIDER TIPAlways check with your doctor about any medical concerns or symptoms you’re experiencing.
Severe, Sudden Pain
Muscle strain and stiffness often happen when you’re on vacay, especially if adventure activities are planned. But there’s a big difference between the usual aches and thunderbolt-like pain.
“When we’re traveling, I think we all tend to push farther than we would back home,” said Dr. Jarod Fox, an infectious disease specialist with Orlando Health Medical Group. “We’re on vacation. We want to enjoy the sights. But if the pain doesn’t go away with Tylenol or ibuprofen, and worsens over the course of a few hours, those are concerning signs.”
Intense, unexpected pain can indicate a whole host of medical emergencies, from stroke and heart attack to blood clots or appendicitis. If you’re experiencing discomfort that’s unusual for you and beyond your personal threshold, get checked out immediately.
Running Hot
A fever is your body’s way of fighting off microscopic invaders and infection. While a normal immune response, it’s still a sign that something’s off. A fever rising to above 103 degrees Fahrenheit or a lower-grade, persistent fever lasting several days should raise red flags. Several common but dangerous infections, including malaria, dengue, and typhoid, can cause sudden fever spikes and warrant medical attention.
INSIDER TIPDr. Fox encourages travelers to check with their healthcare providers for advice on vaccines—including those for infectious diseases–before they head out. Depending on your destination, some might even be required.
Shortness of Breath
I’m a long-distance runner, but still find myself huffing and puffing at elevation from time to time. It’s normal and fortunately dissipates fairly quickly once I hydrate and acclimate to my new surroundings. Heavy physical exertion, such as hauling luggage through a crowded airport or a long, challenging hike, can also bring about temporary shortness of breath. However, if you begin to experience shallow breathing that doesn’t improve with rest or feel as if you can’t take in enough air, it’s time to seek assistance. It’s especially important if you have a pre-existing respiratory condition such as asthma or COPD; both can be exacerbated by air travel and high altitude.
Rashes or Red Streaks
Most of us carry on without issue when we get a bug bite or scrape while on vacation. We might apply an ointment, stick on a Band-Aid on and call it a day. But if a rash or red streaks emerge, or if your skin begins to feel tight or hot around a wound, it could indicate a more serious infection (such as my afore-mentioned cellulitis). Get it checked out ASAP.
And while street animals in different locales might seem sweet and cuddly, consider steering clear. A nip or scratch that draws blood should be considered an emergency.
“If you do happen to get bitten, it is important to seek medical care,” says Dr. Fox. “Usually in bigger cities, they will have the post-exposure medicines that you’ll need, including the rabies immune globulin and vaccine.”
Beyond the Typical Traveler’s Tummy
Who among us hasn’t been blessed with an occasional bout of travel tummy? Be it constipation or diarrhea, stomach issues are practically a rite of passage for intrepid adventurers. While it can make you miserable and stuck near the toilet, it usually passes after a day or so.
If your GI issues extend past that timeframe, or you experience bleeding from either end, run a fever, or feel lightheaded, it’s time to call the doc. You’ll want medical intervention to treat the root of the problem–be it bacterial, viral, or parasitic–before dangerous dehydration sets in. Preventive medicine can often bring relief ahead of the worst symptoms.
“Travelers going to areas with high risk for travelers’ diarrhea may be prescribed a standby antibiotic with clear instructions,” said Dr. Pooja Gidwani, a Los Angeles-based concierge physician. “It’s all about anticipating the problems most likely to affect that individual.”
Prep Well, Know Your Bod
A bit of prep work before your flight could very well help stave off a medical emergency before it occurs. A carry-on first aid kit should contain current prescriptions, antibiotics and steroids if appropriate, pain relievers, anti-diarrheal and constipation meds, antihistamines, electrolyte tabs, and wound care products including bandages, antibiotic ointment, and hydrocortisone cream.
“I recommend a very comprehensive kit, especially for international or remote travel,” said Dr. Gidwani.
Stay informed. If there are current health warnings for your destination, take associated precautions. On a recent trip, I learned there was a dengue travel alert in place where I was headed. I made darn sure to include long sleeves and plenty of DEET on my packing list.
Identify the places you can seek care if you need it, be it a cruise ship’s infirmary, medical clinic, or local hospital.
If you’re traveling to a spot where a medical evacuation might be even the slightest possibility, consider a travel insurance policy. An emergency airlift can easily set you back thousands of dollars; sufficient coverage is just a few hundred.
Last but not least, remember that you are the expert when it comes to your own body. Listen to it and act accordingly, even while adventuring.
“Once, while traveling in Bosnia, I was stung by a bee,” explained Dr. Gidwani. “At first, it seemed minor, but within an hour, the swelling increased, the redness spread, and I was developing clear signs of an allergic reaction. Because I recognized those warning signs, I sought medical attention immediately and was able to get medications before the reaction became dangerous. That experience reminds me (and my patients) that even when you’re on vacation, your health needs come first.”