Traveling with sickle cell illness is risky. Thankfully, this disease shouldn't slow your travels.
Discovering various sickle cell travel recommendations is super helpful in bringing medicine, keeping warm, and drinking plenty of water. So here are some for you to know!
Before The Trip
Some factors for persons with sickle cell to think about before taking a trip:
Pack for every situation: If it rains, then what? Is there a contingency plan in case you become ill? And what if you become too chilly? What if it's too warm for you? Worrying about missing your flight? What if you end up spending more time than you expected overseas? It's possible to overpack at times, but it's always preferable to be safe than sorry.
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Weather: It's a good idea to double-check the forecast before setting out on a trip so that you can prepare appropriately. Even if you're traveling to a region recognized for its pleasant climate, you should pack accordingly.
Insurance: Obtain medical coverage if at all possible.
Vaccinations: Ensure that your immunizations are up to date. Because sickle cell disease may compromise the immune system, it's crucial to take extra precautions to avoid becoming sick. Contacting your primary care physician is the best way to make sure you're up to date. Bring some antimalarial pills with you if your travels take you to a malarial area.
Speak to your healthcare practitioners: Tell your friends and family you'll be away and take their suggestions into account. They could know more about potential health risks than you do.
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RELATED: 8 Ways To Live Your Best Life With Sickle Cell
Blocking Days
Long flights may be taxing on the body, so it's important to get plenty of rest before boarding. This is particularly true for those with sickle cell.
In addition, always make sure to give yourself a day or two to rest and adjust to the local environment when you arrive at your destination. The first thing you want to do when you go there is everything, but putting out fires is far more important if you want to relax and enjoy your trip.
Preparing Early
When you're traveling with sickle cell, you need to be extra prepared. Even though most COVID-19 travel restrictions have been lifted, the pandemic is still a serious concern in many areas of the globe, and travelers are still required to be fully vaccinated before entering most nations.
Do your homework about your intended location, get the appropriate immunizations and COVID-19 tests, and pack all the paperwork and medicine you'll need.
Since stress is something that might set off your symptoms, it's crucial that you not let all the planning and packing for a trip stress you out. The tension in your body is reduced as a result of forethought, and that, in turn, helps avoid a catastrophe.
Communicating
You must express your requirements. Learn to listen to your body and resist the urge to participate in every activity offered on a group vacation.
It's OK to politely decline and say, "No, I'm weary; I'll join you later." This can be challenging because of the FOMO that comes with living with a chronic illness like sickle cell. When traveling alone, keep in touch with a friend or family member to let them know how your health is doing.
Planning For Worst-Case Scenarios
When you want to stay positive preparing for the worst can be hard. Your thoughts might be, "I'm not in a crisis, and I won't have a crisis." It's wonderful to have a positive outlook, but sickle cell doesn't always cooperate.
Facing a crisis with confidence is made easier by the knowledge that one is feasible. A crisis may be very dangerous if in a foreign nation and do not have access to the necessary medicines. Preparing for the worst-case situations will ensure that you're ready for anything that may come your way.
Now, not everyone has the means to travel internationally, but those who can do so may expect to reap positive health outcomes including lower stress and elevated mood. Even though having sickle cell has its inconveniences, learn to take precautions to ensure that your trips are as enjoyable as possible despite your condition. Planning and being flexible may make traveling with sickle cell possible.
