With the Coronavirus wreaking havoc across China, many tourists are becoming anxious about the possibility of getting sick while on their travels. Luckily, there are a few actions you can take to greatly reduce your chances of falling ill while you jet-set around the world. Keep reading to find out what you can do to stay healthy during your travels.

Stay On Top Of Hygiene

The number one thing you can do to increase your chances of staying healthy while traveling is keeping on top of your personal hygiene. You can’t avoid touching surfaces that are ridden with germs, especially if you’re constantly traveling on planes and trains, or eating in buffets. But you can avoid bringing those germs into your system by constantly washing your hands.

As a rule of thumb, always wash your hands before you eat. Water and soap might not always be available, so it’s a good idea to bring a travel-size hand sanitizer in your bag. Always apply it before putting anything in your mouth, and after you’ve touched anything that might host harmful bacteria.

When you do get the chance to wash your hands with soap and water, make sure that you spend a decent amount of time washing and get to all the neglected places, such as under the nail beds of the fingers.

Be Careful With What You Put Into Your Body

It’s important to be mindful of washing your hands before eating, but it’s equally important to be cautious about what you’re actually consuming. The more healthy, nutrient-rich foods you put into your body, the better you’ll feel. You should be aware of any food allergies or intolerances you have before you travel so you know which foods to avoid in order to stay healthy and feeling good. If you’re traveling to a country where the quality of the food is known to make travelers sick, it’s even more important to be mindful of what you eat and drink. Use your best judgment and don’t feel pressured to eat foods that may not have been prepared correctly. While it’s fun to sample different foods on your travels, it’s not so fun to have to fight off a stomach bug. Many travelers forget to drink enough water. But drinking enough will help to flush out any bad bugs out of your system and also keep you hydrated, which will help you feel your best as you go through periods of fatigue and jetlag. RELATED: 10 Travel Hacks For Students

Stay On Top Of All Your Vaccinations

It goes without saying that you should stay on top of all of your vaccinations before traveling. Check with the U.S. Department of State if you’re unsure about what vaccinations you may need before traveling to certain destinations. It’s better to be safe than sorry. It’s also important to pre-pack medications that you might need. Although many destinations will have pharmacies that you can visit if you become sick during your travels, sometimes it pays to already have the medicine on you. When you find yourself with the flu in a foreign city, you’ll be glad that you don’t have to spend your time searching for a drugstore and then trying to find the best medicine for you. You’ll thank yourself when you already have pain killers, decongestants, and vitamin C in your luggage. RELATED: 10 Unconventional Travel Hacks You Should Know 

Protect Yourself Against Insect Bites

Some sicknesses are transferred via insect bites, so it’s important to always protect yourself when you’re going to be outdoors. Take the time to research your destination and find out if there are any common biting insects in the area and what effect they may have on your health. In some cases, it’s a good idea to bring a strong insect repellant and to pack appropriate clothing that will prevent bugs from biting your skin. In severe situations, you can even treat your clothing with permethrin to guarantee the best coverage. It may also be a good idea to take into account the times of day and year when insects pose the largest problem in certain destinations and plan your trip accordingly. RELATED: 10 Simple Tricks To Avoid Tick Bites While Traveling

Start Preparing Before You Travel

Don’t wait until you’re already in your destination to start taking precautions against getting sick. Start your preparations before you leave by making sure that your general health and immunity are as strong as possible. That includes getting enough sleep, eating a healthy diet, getting enough water, and possibly taking nutrients and supplements to support your immune system. Your mental and emotional health can also have an effect on your physical health. So in the weeks leading up to your departure, take some me-time and try not to come under too much stress. Some of the health issues that are linked to stress include heart disease, asthma, headaches, and gastrointestinal problems. NEXT: 10 Actually Helpful Travel Hacks (10 The Internet Is Lying To You About)