Healthy Travel in Turkey

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IMMUNIZATIONS
Most travelers do not get additional immunizations before a trip to Turkey, but you may want to check a reliable source of advice, such as the US Government's Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's CDC Travelers' Health website.

If you plan to travel or live in Turkey for more than a few weeks, to travel in remote areas or to be close to or handle animals and/or birds, you should definitely check the CDC Travelers' Health website and perhaps also consult a doctor about possible immunizations.

TAKE IT EASY
To stay healthy while you travel in Turkey, don't overdo it.

Eat and drink in moderation and get plenty of rest. If you're not feeling well, rest in your hotel room rather than pushing onward. (If you push onward and get sicker you'll have to rest even longer and you'll lose even more travel time.)

SUN & HEAT
In the warm months, use sunblock lotion regularly and wear a hat to avoid sunburn. Drink liquids regularly (at least every hour) in hot, dry weather—even if you don't feel thirsty—to avoid dehydration. Surprisingly, mild dehydration can bring on stomach upsets, dizziness and diarrhea which are often mistaken for food ailments. The cure is simple: remember to have a glass of water or a soft drink every hour!

FOOD
Consult your doctor concerning Travelers Diarrhea. Changes in food can disturb digestion, so go easy on the spicy food. Be careful not to overeat. In fact, you should "undereat," especially early in your trip. Once your digestive system becomes familiar with new intestinal flora, you can try new foods.

DRINK
Drink bottled spring water, available everywhere. Go easy on tea and coffee, which can contribute to dehydration and sleeplessness, and can aggravate digestive problems. If you use alcoholic beverages, do so sparingly, if at all. Alcohol increases the risk of dehydration and stomach upset.

MEDICAL CARE
All Turkish cities have hospitals, and towns have clinics, often with staff who speak at least some English. Besides government hospitals, Istanbul has hospitals founded and supported by foreign communities: American, French, German, Italian.