Face it. When you're on vacation, things might happen that might be out of your control. Maybe you spent too much last night at Red Lobster or you lost your wallet on the beach.
You should also understand that just because you're on vacation, it does not mean you won't get sick. (Although we'd love to imagine vacation as one of those things where nothing goes wrong.
Lets take a look at two possibilities that could happen: Sunburn and Travelers Diarrhea.
Sunburn: A lot of people take sunburn lightly. Everyone wants to get a nice golden tan but take a huge risk if you aren't protected properly. It is a burn from the ultraviolet rays that inflames the skin. Light skin and fair skinned people are at greater risk, but just because you have a tanned complexion does not put you out of the equation. (I am caramel skinned and got my first sunburn last summer!)Mild cases result in minor redness and peeling of the skin. In more severe cases, the skin might blister painfully. You might even feel flu like symptoms from sun poisoning.Instead of a nice golden tan, you kind of look like a freaky looking tomato.
If you don't want to get sunburn, protect yourself! Make sure to wear a long lasting topical sunscreen. Also, remember to reapply! Keep cool and hydrated when you are outside as well to keep your body full of fluids.
Travelers Diarrhea: Just hearing the word Diarrhea makes you want to run. Known as TD, this common illness affects travelers, especially those visiting developing countries. High risk areas are Latin America, Africa, The Middle East and Asia. The problem is when we travel, we are not used to the bacteria in other countries. Our bodies are immune to our United States bacteria enemies, but when we visit other countries, our bodies freak out. Sometimes it begins while you're traveling or returning home. Symptoms include increased frequency, volume and weight of stool, abdominal cramps, nausea, vomiting, fever and bloating. It should go away in a few days, but some bacteria might be stronger than others so you might want to see a doctor.
If you want to avoid TD or reduce the effects, be careful about what you eat and drink. Especially if you are purchasing food from street vendors or eating in someone's home.
As a traveler, Which do you think is worse: Sunburn or Travelers Diarrhea and Why?
Comments (9)
Both. I always I am careful what I eat and try to not to get sunburnt.
Both can be worst because it can be ruined your holiday and other things.
diarrhea! i got it when i went to bali, and i had to stay home on the day that we were scheduled to visit a bird park, and birds are my favorite animals =( and i don't burn very easily and i usually put on enough sunscreen... i think TD is harder to prevent
TD, no doubt! This happens to be pretty frequently when I travel because I'm not used to the food I'm eating around me. Sunburn is different, you can easily prevent it with sunscreen or soothe it with aloe. TD, you just have to live through.
this has made me laugh recalling all my TD or sunburns- the worst though is both at the same time. I went snorkling for a whole day so my whole backside was burned- so it was so painful to sit down to go to the bathroom- and to do it frequently!
Diarrhea ruins everything. Stupid diarrhea.
Diarrhea is worse than sunburn, at least that's what I think.
I'd say sunburn, seeing as the longterm consequences are worse, while the TD will simply build immunity. Then again, I have so many stomach problems on a regular basis that maybe I'm biased, lol. Sheesh, I think I had TD when I visited D.C.
diarrhea is bad