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Simple Ways to Protect Your Health While Traveling This Spring Break
- March 23, 2025
- I. Edwards HealthDay Reporter
Spring break is a time to relax and enjoy a respite from the daily grind. But whether you're flying, driving or taking a cruise, it’s essential to take care of your health while traveling.
Dr. W. Graham Carlos, a professor of clinical medicine at the Indiana University School of Medicine, offers key advice to help you stay healthy during your trip.
"Crowded environments like airports, bus, train stations are great places to pick up viruses like norovirus and flu, so pay attention to good hand hygiene," he said in a news release.
"For those traveling south or to the sun, remember to pack sunscreen and stay hydrated as your skin and body have not acclimated to the warmer temperatures. Finally, use the time together to try to disconnect from media and connect with your family and friends with a specific plan to talk about mental and emotional well-being," Carlos said.
How you travel can make a difference in the precautions you take.
"Crowded environments increase the risk of exposure to various infectious diseases that can ruin your trip. Pay attention to hand hygiene in particular. Some people may wish to wear a mask for an extended time on a plane. For those driving to their destination, remember to get plenty of rest before a long trip and stop frequently to recharge," Carlos added.
For both domestic and international travelers, planning ahead is key.
"For travelers, both foreign and domestic, plan for delays. Due to high volumes of air traffic over Spring Break, flights are subject to delays or cancellations. It is good to have a backup plan," Carlos said.
"Pack some overnight clothes in your carry-on. Leave extra time for crowded security checkpoints, and remember, if you are on a particularly long flight, it is a good idea to get up and move around every couple of hours to circulate blood in your legs to prevent blood clots."
Find out if vaccines are needed for your destination.
"Vaccinations are always a good idea and will depend on what vaccines you have already had and where you are going. It is a good idea to check in advance to see what may be required in the country you are visiting. Certain countries require proof of vaccination to enter," Carlos said.
Take advantage of the emotional reset.
"Spring Break is a time when we all let go of the cold days of winter and embrace the sun and the future hope that summer brings. It is a great time to do a 'spring cleaning' of your home, but it is also a great time to clean your mind. Consider reflecting on all of the positive things in your life and think about how you can better invest your time and attention moving forward. Time invested in family, friends and fitness will always generate the best returns!"
More information
The American Heart Association has more on healthy travel.
SOURCE: Indiana University, news release, March 19, 2025
