Whether you’re heading to Bali or Boothbay Harbor, ME, you don’t want illness spoiling your getaway. Here’s how to handle three typical honeymoon health complaints:
Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs)
Solution: “Bacteria is often moved toward your urinary tract during sexual activity,” says Susan L. F. McLellan, M.D., a tropical-medicine and infectious-disease specialist at Tulane University in New Orleans. “Staying well-hydrated is key: When you urinate, you push bad bacteria out of your urethra. The less frequently you urinate, the longer the bacteria lingers, increasing the odds of infection.” If you know you’re prone to UTIs, Dr. McLellan adds, it’s wise to ask your doctor for an antibiotic prescription before you go.
Bug Bites
Solution: “Always use an insect repellant with 20 to 30 percent of the chemical DEET,” says Dr. McLellan. Reapply every few hours and wear protective clothing (long-sleeved T-shirts, pants). Apply calamine lotion or hydrocortisone cream to bites to minimize itching, and if your bite swells drastically or looks infected, see a doctor right away.
Diarrhea
Solution: In the U.S., where diarrhea is likely the result of a viral infection or new foods your system isn’t used to, the OTC drug Imodium can soothe your stomach. (Drink lots of water, too—diarrhea can dehydrate you). If you’re abroad, it may stem from a bacterial infection, which can require a prescription antibiotic to treat. Before the trip, visit your doctor or local travel clinic (most colleges have one) to get medication best suited for stomach problems prevalent in your honeymoon locale, advises Dr. McLellan.
