Staying Healthy While Traveling This Spring and Summer
Traveling can be exciting — many people look forward to seeing friends, family or exploring new places. If you’re receiving cancer treatment, your immune system may be weaker, which means your body may have a harder time fighting germs. With a little planning, you can still enjoy your trip while lowering your chances of getting an infection.
Before you travel, talk with your care team.
Your care team can help you understand when your white blood cell count may be lowest and what that means for your health. It’s also helpful to bring a list of your medicines, your emergency contacts and any instructions for a port or PICC line. Having this information with you can make travel easier and safer.
Keep your hands clean.
One of the best ways to prevent infection is frequent handwashing with soap and warm water. Do this before eating, after using the bathroom and after touching surfaces that many other people touch. If soap and water aren’t available, use hand sanitizer and rub your hands together until they are dry.
Be careful with food.
Make sure meats are fully cooked and wash fruits and vegetables before you eat them. Keep raw foods and ready-to-eat foods separate when preparing meals during your trip.
Take care of your body.
Shower daily with mild soap. If you have a port or PICC line, keep it dry and regularly check the skin around it for redness or swelling. Contact your care team right away if you experience fever, chills, a new cough, trouble breathing, mouth sores or pain when urinating.
By planning ahead and using these simple steps, you can travel with more confidence while protecting your health.
Planning a trip? Talk with your care team to ensure your travel is as safe and smooth as possible, with tips tailored to your treatment and health needs.
This story was originally published in the PARTNERS newsletter. Visit Moffitt.org/PARTNERS for more stories and to learn more.