Every year, 1.5 million college students go on spring break – but all that fun in the sun doesn’t always go according to plan.
From dehydration and food poisoning to sunburn and STDs, spring break can sometimes leave you with unwanted souvenirs. That’s why we are sharing these must-know tips so you can enjoy having a safe and healthy trip that’s memorable for all the right reasons.
Approximately 70% of students report drinking on spring break. Drinking alcohol affects the part of the brain associated with judgment and decision-making.
This increases health risks such as dehydration and alcohol poisoning. If you plan to drink, keep these tips in mind:
Stay aware of your surroundings when you are in a new place, especially if drinking is involved. Don’t walk anywhere alone, especially late at night. And if you are using a rideshare service or public transportation, always travel with or share your location with a trusted friend.
Illness caused by contaminated food or water can ruin your trip, and can cause symptoms including diarrhea, vomiting or stomach pain.
Know where your water comes from, especially when you’re traveling abroad. Drinking factory-sealed water is always the safest option. When enjoying your cold drinks, don’t forget that ice may be made from local tap water, with a possible risk of contamination.
If factory-sealed water isn’t available, boiling the water can help eliminate bacteria.
If visiting a tropical location, be sure to stay hydrated with safe water to combat the dangerous combination of heat and alcohol intake.
To prevent food poisoning, avoid raw foods, street food, or any fruits and vegetables that are not washed with safe water. Cold food should be served cold, and hot food should be served hot – never lukewarm.
While you should be wearing sunscreen year-round, it’s particularly important in warmer climates – especially if your skin has been covered all winter long. Remember, you can still get sunburned on cool or cloudy days.
Don’t let a sunburn put a damper on your trip, be sure to:
If you are camping, hiking or traveling to a warm or tropical location, bugs are more likely to be an unwanted guest on your vacation.
To avoid bug bites, be sure to:
With STD rates spiking in March and April after spring break, always use protection and get tested. Sexual health and good hygiene are important, regardless of your location. Having good hand hygiene can actually lower your risk for STDs because clean hands can prevent the spread of germs found in bodily fluids.
Always wash your hands before eating and before and after sexual activity. If you are unsure about water safety, use hand sanitizer instead.
While hand hygiene can lower your risk of STDs, testing is still important, especially if you are having sex with a new partner. vybe offers confidential STD testing at all locations.
Even when you’re careful, there is still a chance of returning home with an unwanted souvenir.
If not feeling your best, vybe can provide care for illnesses or injuries including care for cuts, testing for STDs, and more. We’re open 7 days a week with extended weeknight hours for your convenience.
Walk in or schedule an appointment online at your nearest vybe today.
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