We have all heard of the dreaded Bali belly but there are quite a few other common illnesses that risk ruining your Southeast Asia vacation. There is nothing to fear as most of these ailments are easy to prevent with a bit of mindfulness while traveling and some affordable medications.
Here are some of the top sicknesses that you can contract while traveling in Southeast Asia and how you can avoid them.
Occasional Diarrhea & Digestion Issues
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You’ve done it! You were super adventurous this trip and tried that unknown looking meat from that food stall. A major perk that comes with traveling is being able to mingle with the locals, explore their cultures and try their local dishes. When in Rome, right?
Unfortunately, the locals probably aren’t feeling that rumbling in their stomachs. The ones that can be compared to the harmonic tremors that resonate from the belly of a volcano before it is about to erupt.
Even if you play it safe with your food choices, sometimes the stress of travel and changed routines can wreak havoc on your digestive system.
Or maybe that is how you WOULD feel if you hadn’t been smart and thought ahead to bring Travelan with you on your trip.
Travelan is an over-the-counter dietary supplement that is clinically shown to help maintain normal bowel habits, including whilst traveling. It balances travel upsets to maintain normal digestive patterns, by prepping the lining of your stomach with antibodies that will attach themselves to and neutralize diarrhea-causing bacteria. The goal is to create immunity in your gut before you even notice any symptoms.
Each box of Travelan comes with 30-capsules of highly concentrated antibodies made to last you for 10 days; taking one capsule before breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Stomach issues while traveling can be seen as a rite of passage by some but it doesn’t have to spoil the magic of your Southeast Asia getaway.
Dengue Fever and Malaria
One of the most annoying things about traveling around Southeast Asia is the mosquitos! Buzzing, flying, biting at your ankles. Even paradise has its caveats as the warm, humid temperatures that attract foreigners also attract these tiny pests.
Dengue Fever and Malaria are two very different illnesses but they both mimic the symptoms of simple flu combined with the constant need to hang out in the bathroom and; while it is quite rare to contract them; they are both sure to halt any exciting travel plans.
If you are really worried, you can purchase anti-malaria tablets before you travel and start taking them as instructed.
The main thing that you need to protect yourself is insect repellent. Travelers often prefer the kind that has a higher concentration of DEET in it but you can use your own discretion. As long as you are making a conscious effort to apply it as per the instructions, you should be a-ok!
Don’t forget! Those nights when you are hanging outside your hostel drinking and having a good time getting to know your new friends, that’s when the little buggers really like to come out and play!
Heatstroke and Sunburn
The countries that make up the region of Southeast Asia are not really known for their lack of sun and cold temperatures. This is why a lot of travelers are susceptible to both heatstroke and sunburn.
We all know that the beautiful, glowing orb in the sky is hot but the effects of heatstroke are the kind that can sneak up on you. In fact, the sun is so powerful that you can even get sick while exploring on a cooler day full of clouds and then say bye-bye to the rest of your beach days this trip.
Heatstroke is a fancy term to describe the condition of your body no longer being able to regulate its temperature and overheating. Its immediate symptoms are often dizziness and headaches but more severe cases involve vomiting or even falling unconscious.
Most people have also experienced a mild sunburn but if you haven’t, it is not comfortable. Often times your skin will start peeling a few days later and it is warm, itchy, and all-around kind of gross.
Protecting yourself against the sun takes little effort. Stay hydrated, even if it feels cool outside. Bring your favorite sunscreen from home and make sure to apply it every day, whether you are going to the beach or not!
Rabies from cats, dogs, and monkeys
You read that right; monkeys! I’m getting ahead of myself here, let’s start with the street animals. Sadly, you can see many adorable stray cats and dogs roaming the streets of Southeast Asia. Despite any of your urges to pet or pick any of these animals, do not!
Even the cleanest looking animals can contain the rabies virus and unlike some of the other things on this list, this is an illness that you really don’t want to risk contracting. An innocent lick from these furry critters can pose as a threat.
Ok, let’s get back to the monkeys. A thing that all these countries in Southeast Asia have in common is their curious little monkeys, but they are not to be played with. Actually, if you get scratched or bitten by a monkey, treatment can take up to 28 days.
Talk about a disruption in travel plans!
Luckily, all of this can be avoided by staying aware while in an area with these animals and refrain from touching or holding them. Discuss your travel plans with your doctor if you are concerned and would like to get vaccinated as well.
As a whole, these are some of the biggest concerns of travelers when booking a trip to Southeast Asia. These concerns are not just particular to Southeast Asia but other warm countries with eclectic street food. Southeast Asia has so many incredible places to explore. Don’t forget to pick up some Travelan for your trip so you can spend all your time having fun and visiting all the sites.
That said, make sure you know how to get prescriptions abroad before your trip.
Disclaimer: In Australia, Travelan® is a listed medicine and is specifically indicated to reduce the risk of Travelers’ Diarrhea. It’s available to purchase from Australian pharmacies. In Canada, Travelan® is a licensed natural health product and can be purchased from Canadian pharmacies.
