Planning Ahead to Support Common Traveler’s Illnesses

We’ve all been there. 

When traveling, you come into contact with hundreds of other people. Your routine is gone, your environment and food is unfamiliar. You may not have access to as many facilities or hygienic amenities as usual. On top of all this, you are also likely experiencing stress, fatigue, and a sense of overwhelm. 

But isn’t it all worth it? These adventures create life changing moments and enhanced cultural understanding. We believe in the power and importance of travel, but there’s sometimes a price to pay. 

At Cornerstone Safety Group, we support members as their participants navigate common travelers’ illnesses. Without the proper preparation and care, these illnesses can feel especially disastrous, especially for participants who are new to travel.

Below is some guidance we give members on how to identify common traveler’s illnesses, address them with your participants, and support when they inevitably appear during your trip or program. 

Recognizing Common Traveler’s Illnesses 

Common illnesses associated with travel are abundant and vary in complexity, scope, and severity. When we refer to common traveler’s illnesses in this article, we are specifically referring to the following less-severe issues that most travelers face: 

Traveler’s Diarrhea: This very common illness affects up to 80% of travelers. While rarely serious or life-threatening, it can cause your participants significant discomfort. It’s caused by immersion in an environment in which the climate and sanitary practices are different than those at home. It can also be the result of eating or drinking contaminated products. 

Food Poisoning: Beyond diarrhea, should participants experience nausea or vomiting, fever or body aches, you may be dealing with a case of food poisoning. Food poisoning is caused by consuming contaminated food. According to the Mayo Clinic, “...infectious organisms — including bacteria, viruses and parasites — or their toxins are the most common causes of food poisoning” (Mayo Clinic). 

Sunburn: Sunburns ruin lots of trips! UV exposure can result in burns that vary in severity and may impact a participant’s ability to participate in planned activities.

Addressing Common Traveler’s Illnesses 

The best approach is a proactive one. 

Letting your participants know, in advance of departure, that they’re likely to experience a traveler’s illness will help them to mentally prepare. Many times, participants’ physical symptoms are minimal compared to their mental state of duress during a common illness - the stress, worry, and disappointment with feeling discomfort while traveling can weigh heavily on anyone. 

When organizations communicate ahead of time about the likelihood of and the support available for these illnesses, participants are less likely to experience fear or stress when symptoms appear. In your pre-departure materials or during arrival orientation, let your participants know about common illnesses and discuss the support available for these illnesses (common medications and where to find them, how to tell if something is more serious, who to inform if you’re experiencing symptoms, etc.). 

Be sure to normalize these common illnesses. Even seasoned world travelers are often plagued with symptoms in new destinations and when in transit! Your body is going through a lot during travel and you want to respect symptoms for what they are - your body’s response to working through a difficult situation. 

Additionally, addressing common illnesses with your participants in advance allows them to be more cautious (wearing sunscreen, avoiding certain street food, etc.) which may prevent illness or ensure they have packed the right tools to help them through the discomfort. 

How to Support your Participants when Illness Occurs 

First, make sure you’ve created an environment in which participants feel comfortable approaching the appropriate staff with reports of illness. You may need to provide a clear call-to-action during your initial engagement with the participants that helps them identify who is best equipped to help them if they should experience symptoms. 

Next, have a plan in place regarding how staff should handle participant issues. Your in-field staff are busy navigating arrival and the itinerary. A clear plan helps them address the illness effectively and without missing any crucial steps. 

Consider the following in your plan: 

• What medications are staff able to recommend and administer? 

• Which medications or treatment should be outsourced to a local pharmacy or authority?

• Where should staff purchase the appropriate medication or support? 

• Does your staff have information about who to contact if symptoms worsen or a more serious illness is suspected? 

• Who else in the chain of command or in the field needs to be updated on a traveler’s illness? How is it documented? 

From there, you should also make sure your staff is trained on best practices for each type of illness. Here are a few guidelines: 

• Traveler’s Diarrhea: To prevent, watch what you eat (look for sanitation practices) and eat well-cooked foods when possible. You should also drink bottled water or boil your water if tap water is unsterilized. Wash and peel fruits and vegetables. If symptoms develop, drink lots of fluids and take over-the-counter drugs to ease discomfort while your body flushes out the infectious agent.

• Food Poisoning: To prevent, avoid risky foods and beverages. If you do experience food poisoning, try an over-the-counter medicine like Pepto-Bismol to help with nausea or Imodium to help with diarrhea. Focus on rehydration–boiling water if needed–and adding electrolytes if possible. Seek medical attention if symptoms worsen or shows signs of severe dehydration. 

• Sunburn: It’s important to protect yourself from harmful sun exposure by using sunscreen and protective clothing such as hats and long sleeves. However, if sunburn wreaks havoc on your trip, stay out of the sun, apply a soothing agent (like aloe) for the pain, and hydrate aggressively. 

“If your skin blisters, lightly bandage or cover the area with gauze to prevent infection. Do not break blisters as that would slow healing and increase your risk of infection. Apply antiseptic ointment if blisters break.” (CDC)

Hopefully the tips above allow you to incorporate prevention and treatment for common traveler’s illnesses into your action plan and training for in-field staff! 

While uncomfortable, these common illnesses can usually be overcome in time to join the group once again. Most importantly, normalize these illnesses and ensure that your participants know they can approach staff for help, before symptoms escalate.

Need more support or want customized training on this topic organized for your operation? Contact us at info@cornerstonesafetygroup.org to get started!