The long weekend is coming and travel enthusiasts have already planned their short trips to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and have fun with friends and family. However, it is also the monsoon season, when it is raining everywhere and the heat and humidity levels are very high – the perfect breeding season for pathogens like viruses, bacteria and fungi.

According to data, searches for Airbnb stays during the long weekends of Independence Day and Raksha Bandhan have increased by 340 per cent year-on-year. Dr Mayanka Lodha Seth, chief pathologist at Radcliffe Labs, told Times Now, “However, the thrill of travel is diminished when many people, especially children and the elderly, return home with undesirable health conditions.” And so, to give the trip a happy ending, it is important to stay healthy and take appropriate measures in case you experience any symptoms.

Travel illnesses are common, and treating them promptly can help prevent serious complications.

Post-travel symptoms you shouldn’t avoid

According to Dr Seth, certain symptoms that you may develop due to the different weather or hygiene standards during your long weekend trip will require proper treatment. “Self-treating without proper health check-up and consulting a doctor can lead to prolonged illness and worsening of health issues,” he added.

Persistent fever

If you have a high fever for 48 hours or have recurring fever, this clearly demands your attention and is often the first sign of an underlying infection. The infection could be viral, bacterial or parasitic, contracted during your travel.

Body aches and chills

Tiredness and fatigue are different, and it is okay if adventure activities, trekking and other physical exertion are part of your trip. “If you experience muscle pain and chills after a relaxed trip, which is later accompanied by a fever, it is a sign that your body is fighting an infection,” said Dr Seth.

gastrointestinal problems

Along with the level of physical activity and the temperature difference, your diet also has a great impact while traveling. However, if you are experiencing unwanted symptoms like diarrhea, nausea and stomach cramps, then most likely you have consumed contaminated food or water.

Weakness

It is okay to feel a little tired after a long journey with lack of sleep and excessive exertion, but feeling unusually tired or weak after resting on return could be a sign that your body is battling an infection or adjusting to a change in environment. It is not advisable to ignore fatigue or weakness.

respiratory infection

Cold, cough, sore throat, influenza or difficulty in breathing due to temperature change do not last long. However, symptoms persisting for a long time indicate a respiratory infection, which can occur in crowded places like airports or tourist places. If the condition worsens after the fever, immediate attention is needed.

The monsoon season brings with it a number of health issues – especially infections like dengue, malaria, typhoid and chikungunya. It is recommended to travel with a little extra caution during this season and not ignore any symptoms. It is highly recommended to get a health checkup done based on your symptoms to avail personalized treatment and avoid serious health complications.

Health checkups you must get done

If you are experiencing any unwanted symptoms after returning from travel, you should take the following measures:

Complete blood count

This simple blood test detects infections, anemia, and other conditions that may explain your symptoms. You can order a simple blood count or a full-body checkup to evaluate all of your important health aspects.

Malaria Testing

If you are traveling to a place where malaria is prevalent and you are having a fever or respiratory problems, a malaria test is necessary to eliminate the possibility of this mosquito-borne disease.

Typhoid Test

Typhoid is common in areas where there is a lack of sanitation or where you live around unhygienic places. In such a case, it is advisable to get a blood culture test done for confirmation and start individual treatment. Taking paracetamol without consulting a doctor can worsen your health condition.

Dengue Test

India has a high risk of dengue, especially during and after the monsoon season. Also, the number of reported cases has increased significantly due to the spread of the vector mosquito Aedes to new geographical locations due to global warming. Also, there is a lack of targeted surveillance, especially in rural areas. Therefore, if you have high fever and severe body pain, it is advisable to get a dengue test done.

Gut test

To identify gastrointestinal symptoms and all other problems, you are advised to get a stool test. This test can evaluate the various microorganisms present in your gut that may be causing your discomfort.

If you have diabetes and have increased your sugar intake or forgotten to take your doses, do not forget to monitor and manage your blood sugar levels to avoid unwanted consequences.

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