What happens: With age, the immune system responds more slowly; New pathogens, air conditioning, and local water sources increase the risk of respiratory or gastrointestinal diseases.
Warning signs: persistent fever, diarrhea with dehydration, cough that worsens.
How to reduce the risk: up-to-date vaccinations (influenza, pneumococcus, COVID-19, as applicable), strict hygiene guidelines, bottled water and choosing accommodations with good ventilation and cleanliness.
4) Chaos in medication when crossing time zones
What happens: Compliance with schedules is essential for medications such as anticoagulants, insulin, antihypertensives or thyroid medications. Time zone changes cause omissions or duplicate doses.
Risks: bleeding or thrombosis due to poorly dosed anticoagulants; hypo/hyperglycemia; thyroid decompensation.
How to reduce the risk: a schedule adjustment plan written and validated by your doctor, a pill organizer with alarms, medications always in carry-on luggage, and translated digital prescriptions.
