How Can I Avoid Getting Sick While I’m Moving?
Despite countless scientific advancements in the medical field, there’s still a lot we don’t understand. This is especially true when it comes to how and when we get sick. One thing we do know: those who plan to move are especially at risk. Luckily, you can avoid getting sick when you move by being aware of the most common risks and their preventions.
Have you ever noticed that you often get the sniffles after a move? Although many aspects of relocation cause excitement, that’s not all they cause. Below you’ll find common causes for moving-based illnesses. Get to know how to avoid these common moving afflictions, and the next time you relocate, the only sickness you’ll have to worry about is homesickness.
NEW MICROBES
At any given time, environmental factors contribute to your health. When you relocate, your new surroundings change.
You’ll face exposure to new places, people, and microbes. New air, new dust, new everything. Your body will take time to adjust to the changed environment. In the meantime, there’s a high likelihood you’ll catch a cold of some sort.
Prevention
Stay up-to-date on your vaccinations, along with vitamin supplements. Drink plenty of fluids and get the proper amount of rest to promote a healthy immune system. Make sure to also eat a healthy diet rich in fiber and nutrients. Most of all, remember that your body will need time to adjust and some things are unavoidable.
ALLERGIES
When you take items out of the attic and less-trafficked areas of your home, you stir up dust and other allergens. These irritants may already exist in your home, but they remained dormant until the move.
On top of this, when you move you’re entering a new place. There will be unfamiliar dust, pollen, and other residue to deal with. Allergies irritate the sinuses and eyes. This irritation can easily lead to sinus infections. Sinus infections lead to redness, swelling, itchiness, and other problems no one wants during a move.
Prevention
Change your air filters ahead of time to promote healthy air supply and ventilation. Dust and vacuum before you begin to pack your home, and as you unpack. If you know of specific allergy problems for particular family members, take medication as needed.
CUTS
When moving cardboard around, it’s easy to accidentally cut your hands and fingers on rough edges. Even if you have a fairly shallow cut, it still leaves an opening for possible infection.
Amid the rush to pack and box-up items, many people forget something as simple as washing their hands. Clean hands are far less likely to invite infection than dirty ones.
Prevention
The best way to avoid injury during a move is to wear work gloves during your move. That aside: wash your hands. Use sanitizer throughout the process, and seek antiseptic treatment and bandages for any cuts, scrapes, or lacerations.
SICK BUILDING SYNDROME
Much like the dust from your attic, other elements in a building can cause illness. “Sick building syndrome” refers to poorly maintained structures that expose occupants to various irritants and toxins.
Chemicals, asbestos, radon, and mold all pose risks to occupants of old buildings. Those risk factors increase every time you move. Each jostle could create a leak, break a pipe, or reveal a mold pocket. Symptoms of sick building syndrome include throat irritation, dizziness or fatigue, headaches, and nausea.
Prevention
Get living spaces appraised and inspected before you make a purchase. Many local governments supply free radon test kits for public use. Also, make sure to check the basement and attic for signs of mold, rot, or decay.
DEPRESSION
Although not a result of microbial infection, depression affects people during and after relocations as well. Teens especially experience difficulty adjusting to new surroundings. Some may struggle to function without a familiar support system nearby.
Prevention
Maintain old friendships via video chat, phone calls, and emails. Try to help your family meet new people through community activities and social events. Work together to create a new support group. Take time to explore your new neighborhood or city. Never forget that it takes time to adjust. Give yourself and your loved ones that time.
If you take time to take care of yourself during your move, you’ll avoid sickness and fatigue. Use these prevention tips to stay happy and healthy. The next time you need a little extra help when relocating, give us a call. We’ll help you stay safe and healthy by making the moving process as easy as possible.