How to Stay Healthy and Avoid Getting Sick Before a Vacation

Everyone hates germs, but they lurk everywhere. Seriously -- EVERYWHERE. So, it’s good to know some of the germ hotspots you should be aware of before going on a trip.

Germs are microscopic particles that are a main source for spreading disease. One of the best ways to avoid getting sick is to follow tips to guard against germs and their harmful effects.

You should be extra cautious to avoid germs as much as you can in the time leading up to a trip. No one wants to be sick on vacation – or even worse – need to cancel your trip because you’re too sick to travel. That’s one reason it’s always a good idea to get travel insurance that includes Trip Cancellation coverage, and medical coverage in case you get sick during your trip.

But, let’s hope it doesn’t come to that. Take a look at some of these hotspots for germ activity and how to avoid getting sick.

Also read: How travel insurance covers flu and other illness

How to avoid germs at home

The Bathroom
With each flush we force germs further away from us, right? Not so. With each flush, bacteria, such as E.coli, can be spread as far as 15 feet, meaning your sink is likely 90% covered in bacteria. Your own hands could be holding up to 200 million bacteria. So, be sure to wash them with warm water and soap for at least 20 seconds.

Kitchen Sponges
Your kitchen sponge is a bacteria breeding ground because it remains hot and moist. Use a good antibacterial or bleach based product on kitchen surfaces, which helps kill bacteria your sponge picks up. And, microwave your sponges for a minute or two to regularly sanitize them.

Also read: How Travel Insurance Works if a Family Member is Hospitalized

How to avoid getting sick at work and elsewhere

Telephones and Keyboards
Your phone and desk have more bacteria than your toilet seat! Office desktops have about 25,000 germs per square inch. That’s why they need to be cleaned regularly with disinfectant.

Also read: Is Travel Insurance Worth It? 3 Examples Where it Pays Off

phones and desktops have tens of thousands of germs per square inch

Shopping Carts
The innocent-seeming shopping cart handle is one of the dirtiest surfaces around. With 138,000 bacteria per square inch, be sure to carry antibacterial wipes with you on every trip to the store.

Travel Insurance: In Case You do Get Sick

We’ve all been there. You have a vacation coming up in a few days and your child comes home from school with a bad case of the flu that’s spreading through your family, or Grandma is hospitalized and you need to care for her. You get a pit in your stomach and begin to wonder if you’ll be able to make the trip you’ve planned for so long and already paid for.

Life is unpredictable—but Generali Global Assistance is here to help. Our travel insurance plans are a small investment against the full cost of a trip and they include Trip Cancellation coverage that can provide reimbursement for a canceled trip.

Sickness is only one event out of around 20 that can be covered with a Generali plan. See our full list of covered reasons for trip cancellation or get an instant quote now.