Don’t let this be you!
When you’re visiting a city as fun and high-paced as Las Vegas, Nevada, the last thing you want is to be sick with a cold, flu, food poisoning or some other debilitating bug. While sometimes getting sick can be beyond your control, there are some preventative measures that you can take to lessen the chances of spending your entire vacation miserable and bedridden. Because we want to help you enjoy Sin City to the fullest, here are some tips to (hopefully) keep you healthy.
Prevention
Among the most common illnesses you can suffer from while traveling include the cold and flu, as well as other similar viral infections that are caused by germs. Because germs are so common in congested, communal environments like train stations, buses, airports and planes, these venues can be hotbeds for exposure to an invisible virus. The good news is that prevention for all the above can be as simple as frequently washing your hands or using sanitizer, not only on your hands but also on problematic surfaces like doorknobs, bathroom stalls and countertops.
Also, throughout the week (if not longer) prior to your departure, adhere to each of the following:
- Start boosting your immune system by loading up on vitamin C supplements (regardless of your normal vitamin C intake).
- Restock and pack a few of your “go-to” cold and flu remedies. Some suggestions are antihistamine, pain/fever reducers (such as acetaminophen, ibuprofen or aspirin), antacid, diarrhea medication (such as IMODIUM or Pepto-Bismol) and motion-sickness medication (if applicable).
- Remain well-hydrated.
- Slow down on the alcohol and partying — there will be plenty of time for that soon enough in Vegas!
- De-stress and get as much sleep and rest as possible. You can even practice meditation or some breathing exercises during your flight. Remember that Vegas is open 24 hours, so you will need all the energy you can muster. Also, consider asking your doctor for a mild sedative to take on the plane so that you can sleep on the flight.
Treatment
No matter what preventive measures you take ahead of time, you are always susceptible to tainted food and water sources, germs in crowded places and basic exhaustion. So, let’s hammer home “Rule Number 1” for the stubborn Vegas traveler: If you have an affliction that comes on suddenly, induces a fever and prohibits you from engaging in your daily activities, then you should seek immediate medical attention. If in doubt, you can either call your own doctor or consult an online physician, either of whom might be able to diagnose you remotely. If you need immediate attention, you can also ask your hotel about local hospitals, urgent care centers or clinics; some hotels even offer their own first-aid services. If you delay, you could get even sicker and ruin the rest of your vacation. However, waiting a few hours — or even an entire day — to see a physician to get proper treatment could have you feeling right as rain in no time.
Recovery
In the unfortunate event that you get sick on your trip, don’t fret. Don’t stress about missing time out on the town with your friends, at the poker table or anything else. If you set your mind to swift rejuvenation, you can hasten your recovery. It’s all about rest and repose — and focus. Furthermore, while you’re stuck in bed recuperating, always keep in mind that you can still get into the Vegas spirit by grabbing your computer, tablet or phone and logging on to your 888 online poker operator for some gaming action!
In addition to your medication of choice as discussed above, try an immune system boost like Emergen-C or Airborne. Also, constantly drinking excessive amounts of water and orange juice will do wonders to flush the toxins out of your body. Hot tea can also be a healing elixir. As recommended above, keep washing your hands and using sanitizer regularly. And take hot showers if you have the strength; the water will open up your sinuses, relax your muscles and make you feel good in general. If you’re not worried about appearances, consider using a medical facemask to prevent additional germs from entering your system. Wearing a mask is also a thoughtful way to avoid infecting the people around you, particularly if you’re sharing a hotel room.
Making the Best of a Bad Situation
Just because you’re convalescing doesn’t mean that you can’t enjoy yourself a little bit, so long as you do it responsibly and don’t impede your recovery. For example, reading a book or taking a nap poolside while hydrating and eating healthy food can be relaxing ways to avoid cabin fever. Once you’re feeling a little better, you could even venture down to your hotel restaurant for a quick meal. Simply being surrounded by the sights and sounds of the Vegas hustle and bustle can boost your mood and energy. Who knows? You could even play a few slots after dinner before heading back to your room at a very reasonable hour to get ready for an early, healthy morning.
