10 Summer Travel Considerations for Chronic Disease Patients
Summer is almost here, and after a long year of forced staycations, many chronic disease patients are eager to hit the road.
If you have a chronic disease, you know the roller coaster of emotions that comes with planning a trip. The anxiety of travel details such as coping with long flights or car rides, airport lines, sticking to your nutrition plan, and how to manage flare-ups can make summer travel a daunting experience. That’s where a few good chronic disease travel tips can make a difference.
1. Make an Appointment with Your Doctor
Before you embark on a long trip, you should make an appointment with your doctor to discuss your condition, get a check-up, refill your prescription, and get advice on how to deal with flare-ups when you are far from home.
2. Time Your Infusion Therapy
Maintaining your biologic infusion therapy is vital. Make sure to schedule your appointment within the recommended time frame.
3. Plan Your Trip Carefully
If you are going on a road trip, make sure to schedule stops so you can stretch and move a little. Bring a pillow to help keep you comfortable.
If you are flying, then it’s a good idea to do a pre-check-in with the airline to avoid long lines at the airport. Airports and airlines also assist travelers with limited mobility providing them with wheelchairs. If you feel you will need assistance, make sure to call the airline ahead of time.
4. Travel Accommodations Should Cater to your Needs
When choosing your travel accommodations opt for those who have amenities and essential services that suit your needs.
If you have limited mobility, choose a hotel with elevators. If this is not possible, make sure to reserve a room on the ground floor.
If you have medications that require refrigeration, make sure your hotel room has a mini-fridge.
If you are traveling abroad
5. Travel with Cold and Hot Packs
A good way to help ease achy joints and help soothe flare-up symptoms is to carry cold or hot packs with you.
Cold compresses can help reduce pain and inflammation, while hot water bottles or packs can help relax muscles.
6. Check Prescription Medication Laws and Availability at Your Destination
Even if you have a prescription from your physician, you might not be able to get it filled out of state or abroad.
Additionally, some countries have strict policies about the quantity of medication one patient can carry, and some substances may be considered controlled or even illegal.
For this reason, it’s always best to do a little research before you settle on a destination.
7. Plan for Emergencies
Flare-ups and new or worsening symptoms can occur at any moment. When booking your vacation, make sure your accommodations are within a reasonable distance from hospitals or medical centers that can treat you if needed.
Always carry your phone with you, and have a list of emergency contacts, including your treating physician, readily available.
8. Eat Healthy Meals
When on vacation, it’s easy to stray from your healthy eating habits. However, with a bit of planning, you can avoid any dietary triggers and still enjoy delicious foods.
If you have food allergies or known dietary triggers, make sure to inform the airline and restaurant staff beforehand.
9. Be Flexible and Considerate with Yourself
While planning your trip, it’s a good idea to keep a flexible itinerary. Plan to have rest days in between heavy activity days so that you can rest.
If you don’t feel well enough to join an activity, kindly excuse yourself and find a less taxing way to enjoy yourself.
Remember to always be kind and considerate with yourself.
10. Avoid Destinations That Are COVID-19 Hotspots
Even if you are fully vaccinated, it’s a good idea to avoid destinations that have high COVID-19 contagion rates.
