Can Camping Make You Sick? (Answered)

Camping is an excellent way to explore the great outdoors and enjoy a break from the daily routine. 

However, it’s crucial to be aware of the potential health risks of camping, particularly regarding food safety.

Most people might ask, can camping make you sick? Read on to find out. 

Yes, camping can make you sick because you are exposed to contaminated water, improper food handling, poor hygiene, altitude sickness, etc. Taking precautionary measures to prevent illness while camping is essential, including using water filtration or purification systems, properly storing and cooking food, practicing good hygiene, wearing appropriate clothing, and using insect repellent.

This article will explore some of these camping illnesses and their causes. 

Additionally, we’ll provide tips on how to stay healthy and safe during your next camping trip.

Is it Normal to Get Ill After Camping?

It is common to get sick after camping, as several factors can contribute to illness outdoors. 

However, whether or not it is “normal” depends on the specific circumstances and severity of the illness.

One of the most common causes of illness after camping is exposure to bacteria or viruses that may be present in the environment. 

It can happen if you come into contact with contaminated water or food or inhale airborne particles that carry pathogens. 

Symptoms of a bacterial or viral infection may include fever, chills, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and respiratory issues.

Another potential cause of illness after camping is exposure to environmental irritants, such as pollen or smoke from campfires. 

These irritants can cause allergic reactions or exacerbate respiratory conditions like asthma. Symptoms may include coughing, wheezing, sneezing, and itchy eyes.

In addition, physical exertion and changes in diet and sleep patterns during a camping trip can also affect your immune system and make you more susceptible to illness. 

It is especially true if you are already dealing with underlying health conditions. There are several ways to minimize the risk of getting sick while camping.

First, pack and prepare food properly, and always drink clean, filtered water. 

Avoid swimming in bodies of water known to be contaminated, and use insect repellent to prevent bites and stings. 

Additionally, dress appropriately for the weather and bring any necessary medications or medical supplies.

If you start to feel ill after camping, it is essential to seek medical attention if your symptoms are severe or do not improve after a few days. 

Depending on the cause of your illness, your doctor may recommend rest, medication, or other treatments to help you recover.

Ultimately, while it is not uncommon to get sick after camping, the severity and duration of the illness can vary widely depending on the specific circumstances. 

Taking proper precautions and being aware of potential risks can minimize your chances of getting sick and help you enjoy a safe and healthy camping experience.

What Can Make You Sick While Camping?

Several things can make you sick while camping, including:

#1. Contaminated Water

Drinking untreated water from ponds, lakes, or well that have not been adequately purified can lead to water-borne illnesses such as giardiasis, cholera, or cryptosporidiosis.

#2. Insect Bites And Stings

Insects such as mosquitoes, ticks, and bees can carry diseases that can make you sick, such as Lyme disease or West Nile virus.

#3. Food Poisoning

Eating undercooked food or food contaminated by bacteria can cause food poisoning leading to nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.

#4. Improper Food Handling

Food not cooked or stored properly can become contaminated with bacteria or other pathogens, leading to food poisoning.

#5. Exposure to Extreme Weather

Camping in extreme heat or cold without proper gear and clothing can lead to heat exhaustion, heatstroke, hypothermia, and other illnesses like dehydration or frostbite.

#6. Heat Exhaustion

Heat exhaustion occurs when the body overheats due to excessive heat and humidity. Symptoms include fatigue, nausea, dizziness, and fainting.

#7. Poisonous Plants

Eating or coming into contact with poisonous plants, such as poison ivy, can cause a rash, itching, and swelling.

#8. Poor Hygiene

Washing your hands regularly or properly, or keeping your campsite clean, can reduce the risk of getting sick from germs and bacteria.

#9. Wildlife

Contact with wild animals such as raccoons, skunks, or rodents can transmit human diseases. 

#10. Altitude Sickness

Camping at high altitudes can cause altitude sickness, leading to headaches, nausea, and other symptoms.

Seven Common Camping Illnesses

Camping is a fun and exciting way to explore the great outdoors, but it can also expose you to various illnesses common in outdoor settings. 

Here are seven common camping illnesses to be aware of:

#1. Common Cold

Getting a cold while camping is common, especially during the colder months when temperatures drop and people spend more time near each other. 

The common cold is a viral respiratory illness transmitted through respiratory secretions or touching contaminated surfaces. 

It can be uncomfortable but usually resolves independently within a week or two.

#2. Giardiasis

Giardia is a common water-borne illness contracted by drinking contaminated water from rivers, lakes, and streams. Symptoms include diarrhea, cramps, and nausea.

#3. Lyme Disease

Lyme disease is a bacterial infection transmitted to humans through an infected tick’s bite.

#4. West Nile Virus

It is an illness that causes body aches and other flu-like symptoms.

However, there are similarities between Lyme disease and the West Nile virus because they are both vector-borne diseases. 

As much as there are illnesses between the two diseases, there are discrepancies. The table below shows their differences. 

West Nile Virus	Lyme Disease
Mosquito bites spread it.	Deer ticks spread it.
There are no treatments for West Nile Virus	There are treatments for Lyme disease
A bacterial infection doesn’t cause it.	A bacterial infection causes it

#5. Norovirus

Norovirus is highly contagious and spreads through contaminated food, water, surfaces, and contact with infected individuals. 

Symptoms include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach cramps, and fever. 

#6. The Flu

The flu is a viral respiratory illness that transmits from person to person through respiratory secretions. 

It can occur during camping if someone with the flu is at the campsite. 

Its symptoms include diarrhea, fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, vomiting, and fatigue. 

#7. Campylobacteriosis

Campylobacter infection is a bacterial illness that affects the intestines. 

It is typically caused by consuming contaminated food or water, particularly undercooked poultry or unpasteurized dairy products. 

Symptoms include diarrhea, cramping, and fever lasting up to a week.

Practicing good hygiene and heeding appropriate precautions is valuable to prevent illnesses. 

How to Prevent Sickness While Camping?

There are several steps you can take to prevent sickness while camping:

#1. Choose a Safe Campsite

Choose a campsite that is clean, dry, and away from standing water to minimize exposure to insects and contaminated water sources.

#2. Purify Your Water

Always purify your water before drinking it. You can do this by boiling the water for at least 1 minute, using water purification tablets or a water filter.

#3. Cook and Store Food Properly

Ensure to cook food to the appropriate temperature and store it in sealed containers or coolers to prevent contamination by bacteria.

#4. Dress Appropriately

Dress in layers to protect yourself from extreme weather conditions, and wear appropriate footwear for the terrain.

Pack raincoats, boots, and disposable gloves for extra safety in unforeseen circumstances like heavy rainfall. 

#5. Stay Hydrated

Drink plenty of water to prevent dehydration, especially in hot weather.

#6. Be Aware of Your Surroundings

Be aware of wildlife in the area and avoid contact with wild animals.

#7. Keep Your Campsite Clean

Keep your campsite clean and dispose of trash properly to prevent attracting animals and insects.

These precautions can reduce the risk of getting sick while camping and enjoy a safe and healthy trip.

What Should You Do if You Fall Sick While Camping?

If you fall sick while camping, here are some steps you can take:

#1. Rest

It’s essential to rest and give your body time to recover. Avoid strenuous activities and take it easy until you feel better.

#2. Stay Hydrated

While out camping, it can be scorching. Drinking fluids, especially water, can keep you hydrated.   

#3. Seek Medical Help

Seek medical attention if you have symptoms and a pre-existing condition, such as asthma or diabetes,

Ensure you have enough medication and follow your doctor’s instructions.

#4. Treat Your Symptoms

Over-the-counter medications such as pain relievers, fever reducers, and antihistamines can help relieve pain, fever, and allergies.

#5. Take Precautions to Prevent Spreading Illness

If you are sick, taking steps to prevent spreading illness to others is crucial. 

#6. Consider Ending Your Camping Trip Early

If you are too sick to continue camping or need medical attention, consider ending your trip early and returning home.

Ensure to follow proper protocols for breaking camp and leaving the area.

FAQs 

Why Do I Feel Sick After Camping?

Camping can lead to sickness due to exposure to allergens, insects, contaminated water or food, and lack of hygiene.

Why Does My Body Hurt After Camping

Hiking, sleeping on hard surfaces, carrying heavy gear, and other physical demands of camping can cause muscle soreness and fatigue.

Why Does My Throat Feel Sore After Camping? 

Sore throat after camping can be due to exposure to cold air, allergens, smoke from campfires, or infections from shared utensils.