How to Avoid Parasites When Traveling to a New Country?
You’ve probably heard the horror stories: a traveler gets sick from something they ate in a new country, or their luggage is infested with bed bugs.
The key to avoiding parasites while traveling is not just being careful what you eat and drink. You also need to take precautions against disease-carrying insects, such as mosquitoes and fleas. And, of course, wash your hands often.
If you do get sick while traveling, make sure you see a doctor right away so they can prescribe antibiotics or other medications as needed.
So, how can you avoid getting sick or bringing home any unwanted souvenirs? Here is everything you need to know.
What are Parasites and How do They Affect the Human Body?
Parasites are organisms that live by living off of, and harming, another organism. Parasites can be pathogens, like malaria, which cause illnesses and diseases in people. They come in many different forms.
The most common type of animal parasite is a worm that lives in the intestines of its host. They may also cause damage to their host’s body, such as destroying tissue and blood vessels. Having a parasite can be dangerous for your health, and visiting a doctor is often necessary.
What are the Symptoms of a Parasitic Infection?
There are a few common signs of parasitic infection. Symptoms may include diarrhea, fever, and vomiting. Symptoms can also include seizures, confusion, and coma in more severe cases.
While it’s essential to see a doctor right away, let’s cover the most common symptoms of parasitic infection:
- Weight loss
- Dehydration
- Stomach cramps
- Nausea and vomiting
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Rashes, eczema, and itching
- Digestive problems such as constipation, constant gas, and diarrhea
Depending on the parasite you’ve ingested and suffered from and the country you’re traveling in, you may experience different symptoms. In any case, visiting a local doctor or hospital is often needed.
How to Avoid Parasites When Traveling
It is important to know that there are many different types of parasites that can be found in various parts of the world. There are several elements to look out for when traveling and we’ll list them here below.
Take Proherbarium
When traveling to a new country, it’s important to be aware of the risks of parasites. Luckily, there are several ways to avoid them. One way is to take anti-parasitic medication, such as Proherbarium capsules.
These capsules are made up of all-natural ingredients and are safe to take without a doctor’s consultation and have no side effects and are easy to use. Proherbarium capsules are also approved and recommended by doctors.
So if you’re looking for a convenient way to get rid of harmful parasites when traveling, Proherbarium is a great option.
Drink Only Bottled Water
The water that we drink when traveling is not always safe, especially in developing countries. In fact, one of the most common ways to get sick with parasites is by drinking dirty water and they can cause diseases like dysentery and cholera.
In order to avoid getting sick, it’s best to only drink bottled water. If you do not have access to bottled water, you should boil your tap water for at least one minute before drinking it or use a filtered bottle.
Avoid Food from Street Vendors
Street food is a convenient and cheap way to eat, but it can be risky for your health, and the risk of getting a parasite from street food is sometimes really high. Parasites are transmitted through dirty water but also food and soil. The most common types of parasites found in street foods are roundworms and tapeworms.
If you eat street food, it is important to be cautious about where you buy it from and what you eat. If possible, avoid buying from vendors who don’t have any protective barriers between their food and the public, and use common sense.
Use Hand Sanitizer if you Can’t Wash your Hands
There are many possible reasons that you might not be able to wash your hands when traveling. For example, you could not have access to water and soap, or you could just be on the road and not find a shop to buy sanitary products. In these cases, it is important to use hand sanitizer.
Hand sanitizers work by killing bacteria on the hands. They do this by using alcohol or other active ingredients that can kill bacteria on contact.
Hand sanitizers are used in hospitals, health care facilities, schools, and other places where contact with germs is common, and are safe to use.
Common Parasites and Their Effect
Most people know about the dangers of parasites, but they may not know that there are different types of parasites, and each one has its own unique effects. Here are some common ones you can catch on the road and their effects.
Giardiasis
Giardiasis is a parasitic infection that is often contracted by drinking contaminated water or eating food that has been infected with the parasite. Symptoms of Giardiasis include diarrhea, gas, and nausea, and the illness can last for weeks or even months if left untreated.
Hookworms
Hookworms are parasitic worms that can affect our gut and small intestine. They are most commonly found in developing countries, where contaminated food and water can lead to infection.
However, hookworm infections can also occur in developed countries, particularly among travelers who have been exposed to contaminated soil or water. The most common symptoms are rashes, weight loss and loss of appetite, fatigue, and diarrhea.
Scabies
Scabies is a skin infection caused by a parasite and it’s characterized by severe itching and a rash. The rash can be anywhere on the body, but is often found on the wrists, between the fingers, and on the elbows.
Scabies is highly contagious and can be passed from person to person through skin-to-skin contact, or from sharing clothes, towels, and bedding.
Malaria
Malaria is a serious and sometimes deadly disease that is spread by mosquito bites. Malaria can be most commonly caught in many parts of Africa, Central and South America, and Southeast Asia.
The parasites that cause malaria can also affect other parts of the body, including the liver, lungs, and brain. The symptoms are usually similar to those of a flu, like fever, chills, sweat, and muscle pain. In some cases, malaria can be fatal.
Conclusion: How To Stay Safe From Parasites When Traveling Abroad
Some people may not know about the risk of getting parasites when traveling abroad but you now know how to protect yourself on the road.
Parasites are a risk wherever you go. They can contaminate food, water, and surfaces and cause outbreaks of many diseases.
When traveling, it’s essential to avoid them by following the tips we listed in this guide and taking Proherbarium to remain protected and safe.