Research
Research overview
A lot gets written about travelers' health, from serious guidance by international organizations to pieces with splashy headlines. We don't summarize individual studies or quote figures; instead, we explain how to tell reliable information from a sales pitch.
Reliable advice sounds modest: it says “usually,” “helps many people” and “talk to your doctor.” Bold guarantees belong to a different genre.
What is known in general terms
| Topic | What is generally accepted | What we don't claim |
|---|---|---|
| Long flights | Moving and drinking water make the trip easier and reduce leg swelling | That these measures suit absolutely everyone |
| Time-zone changes | Daylight and a schedule based on local time help you adjust | Exactly how many days adjusting will take |
| Motion sickness | Body position and looking at the horizon affect how you feel | That there is a method that works for everyone |
| Heat | Water, shade and rest lower the risk of overheating | Where the safe heat limit lies for a particular person |
| Altitude | A gradual ascent gives the body time to adjust | A safe rate of ascent for a particular person |
How to tell research from a sales pitch
Who is talking?
A trustworthy piece has an author or organization that stands behind the text. An anonymous article with no sources is a reason to look for confirmation elsewhere.
Who is it about?
Findings from a small group of people or from a lab don't automatically apply to all travelers.
What are they selling?
If a story about a “new discovery” ends with an order button, you're more likely looking at a sales pitch than at science news.
How do the promises sound?
Words like “guaranteed,” “forever” and “effortless” almost never appear in real medicine. When you see them, be on your guard.
Myths worth forgetting
- “You don't need to drink on a plane because you're not doing anything” — dry cabin air makes you lose more water
- “Motion sickness is a sign of weak character” — it's your body's response to conflicting signals about movement
- “You can't overheat when it's cold outside” — in warm clothes and with physical effort, overheating can still happen
- “You can get used to altitude through willpower” — your body needs time, and rushing doesn't help
Related reading
- Methods
Simple non-medication habits for the road: moving, water, sleep and light, dressing for the weather, clean hands and care with food.
- Sources
What this guide is based on, what it does not do, and how to use it when you travel.
- Reading health articles (in Russian)
Archived address: five questions that help you judge any health article you read online.
- Glossary
Travel health terms in plain English, from motion sickness and jet lag to travel medical insurance and vaccination.
Sources
- WHO — travel health advice
- Russian Ministry of Health — general health guidance
This guide summarizes general information about staying well while traveling as of the date it was prepared. Advice for travelers is updated from time to time, and what is right for you personally is something to decide together with your doctor.