If you feel sick after traveling, especially to a foreign country, make sure to see a doctor as soon as you’re able. Just as importantly, you should tell your doctor about your travels in detail, as each and every part of your trip might help identify why you’re not feeling well. The CDC has a page on “getting sick after travel,” on which it suggests telling your doctor the following:
- What you did on your trip.
- How long you were gone.
- Where you stayed (fancy hotel, native dwelling, tent).
- What you ate and drank while you were there.
- Whether you were bitten by bugs.
- Whether you swam in freshwater.
- Any other possible exposures (sex, tattoos, piercings).
The CDC also notes that specific symptoms (like fever, persistent diarrhea and skin problems) are especially worth taking to the doctor after a trip. See more on the page here, and stay well!
Related:
- What To Do If You Get Sick On The Road
- Budget for Vaccinations and Medications
- How to Track Illnesses and Health Risks via Real Doctor’s Reports
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In addition to places where you go swimming, it is important to mention where you have walked with bare feet. There are many beaches where animals , including dogs, cats and pigs, walk freely on the beach. Parasites contained in their stool can burrow through the feet and work their way into your intestines, lungs and other organs where they can cause a lot of problems.
Remember, doctors are not mind readers and can’t possibly know everything that you may have come in contact with. They cannot rely on routine blood tests since you have to know what specific tests to order, depending on the all-important history.
Great tip! Thank you