10TV: Spring Break Sickness

As many school districts are on spring break, it’s a time for many families to relax and recharge. But for some, spring break time can also mean sickness. Jason Pedrick, MD, interim medical director of OhioHealth Urgent Care recently told 10TV medical reporter Tracy Townsend that he is starting to see patients returning home from their vacations – both domestic and international – who are bringing home things such as upper respiratory infections and the flu.

“I’ll get people coming in from out of the country especially, they’re picking up all these types of bugs that people might have over there and they’re bringing them home,” says Dr. Pedrick. “Then we start a whole new wave – it goes through the families, it goes through the daycares.”

Dr. Pedrick says that it’s important for vacationers to follow protective measures to avoid getting sick, including:

• Good hand hygiene
• Covering coughs/sneezes when traveling in a car or airplane
• Boost your immunity before your vacation. Prepare by starting a regimen of a daily multivitamin, vitamin C, zinc and Echinacea.

Dr. Pedrick told 10TV that getting in some exercise before and during your trip can also help keep you from getting sick.

“Even just 30 minutes a day while you’re on your trip can reduce your chance at least by half of picking up these upper respiratory infections,” he says.

So if you’re at the beach, wake up earlier to walk along the coastline at sunrise. You’ll get some exercise and enjoy a nice view.

If you come home sick or have other urgent healthcare needs, OhioHealth Urgent Care has multiple locations. Click here to find one near you.