Getting Sick While Studying Abroad

Getting sick while studying abroad is one of those things you hope won’t happen, but realistically you are traveling so often and being exposed to so many new environments it is bound to happen. Between adjusting to new locations, different sleep schedules, nonstop travel, and seasonal changes, your body eventually decides it’s time to take a break (whether you want it to or not). When I got my first cold abroad, it was very inconvenient. I didn’t really know what medicine to buy, where to see a doctor, or even how to describe my symptoms in German. But hopefully, these tips can help make it a little less stressful if you ever find yourself in the same situation!

Bring Medicine From Home

Before leaving for your program, I HIGHLY recommend packing a small “sick kit.” Bring things you know work for you, like cold medicine, pain relievers, allergy pills, and electrolytes. They don’t have brand name Tylenol here (something that I heavily rely on for my migraines) so I was incredibly thankful my mom made me bring a stash. Even simple things like cough drops or Advil can be harder to find abroad, or they might be labeled differently. When you’re feeling feverish, the last thing you want to do is panic translate medicine labels in a pharmacy.

Learn Where the Local Pharmacies Are

In Vienna (and most of Europe), pharmacies are called Apothekes, and they’re usually marked with a big green cross. They’re super helpful and well-stocked, but you may have to ask the pharmacist for what you need as many medicines aren’t self-serve like in the U.S. If you’re not feeling well, it helps to write down or Google-translate your symptoms ahead of time so you can show the pharmacist. Most people speak at least a little English, but it still makes things smoother when you can clearly explain what’s going on. I have had good experiences so far with Apothekes in Vienna, they are very friendly and easily accessible which has been ideal to quickly grab needed medications or ask for recommendations. 

Rest!

This was the hardest one for me. When you’re abroad, every day feels valuable, you don’t want to waste a single minute stuck in bed. But I learned the hard way that pushing yourself when you’re sick just makes it worse. There were a couple of days where I had to skip sightseeing and stay in my apartment with soup and Netflix. At first, I felt guilty, but in the end, I got better faster, and I actually enjoyed my next trips more because I was rested and healthy again. Sometimes, slowing down is exactly what you need to appreciate everything around you.

Pack for Everything!

Before you travel, especially on weekend trips, pack just in case items; tissues, hand sanitizer, vitamins, and maybe even a few electrolyte packets. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve been so grateful to have those with me when I started feeling off during a trip. Long train rides and hostels aren’t exactly ideal places to get sick, but a little preparation goes a long way and it can help to get ahead of symptoms before they get worse. Also bandaids. The number of blisters I have had to bandage up during my travel weekends is in the twenties. 

Know Your Health Insurance Details

Every study abroad program handles health insurance a bit differently, but make sure you understand what’s covered. I am very fortunate to have excellent coverage through the IES Abroad Program's plan, and an app that recommends providers to visit for specific symptoms. By not only having the countries' emergency numbers saved on your phone but knowing what doctors you can visit, you can have greater peace of mind for when the sickness occurs. 

Conclusion

Getting sick abroad is never fun, but it’s also not the end of the world. It has taught me a lot about slowing down, taking care of myself, and asking for help when I need it! So, if you do get sick while abroad: take it easy and remember that one day of rest now will allow you a week of enjoyment when you are better!