Sick While Abroad

One week into my study abroad trip, I fell sick. If possible, make sure to take a bit of cold medication if you get the flu, etc. As soon as I felt myself getting ill, I went to the pharmacy, which they call the "chemist" here in Australia. I purchased some of my favorite brands from back home, like Vicks vapor rub and some Sambucol cold and flu medicine. I bought two COVID tests, cough drops, tea, lemon, honey, and ginger. I also purchased oranges and Kiwis as they are packed with Vitamin C. This was an unexpected cost that I did not think about. 

All in all, I probably spent around $100 on medication, tea, etc. It is important to factor in any small emergency cost into your trip.  

Make sure to bring masks with you, believe me, you won't regret it! The airport and airplane are full of people coughing (many who do not care to cover their mouths or wear masks to protect others), so protect yourself and take a mask. You do not want to spend your trip being sick. Masking will be beneficial when you are on public transit as well. Wearing a mask can be uncomfortable sometimes, but it outweighs the possibility of getting sick or others sick.