From jet lag to food poisoning to all sorts of nasty flus, the amount of ailments a person can face while traveling is simply staggering.

Coming down with even one of these illnesses can really ruin a trip, all the more so if they occur simultaneously, and don’t even get me started on what happens when you throw the potential for injury into the mix. Still, as awful as experiencing any of these on a vacation can be, the misfortune becomes far more miserable if you were traveling for work related purposes.

Business trips are rarely short on stress, there is often so much at stake and so little time to prepare, the last thing you need is to start feeling under the weather. Still, it’s no secret that frequent traveling can not only increase exposure to illness but also reduce the body’s natural resistance, especially when it comes to crossing time zones.

You’re taking a chance with your health every time you travel, but then again, you won’t find success in business without taking a few chances. Of course, some bets are surer than others, and knowing what you’re getting into can really help you take steps to boost the odds in your favor. So, if you find yourself about to take a journey that could boost your business, here are a few factors you should keep in mind.

For starters, try not to travel alone. I know this isn’t always realistic, especially not for small business owners who make up the entirety of their team, but those who can should still try to go with a partner when possible. After all, if one of you happens to get sick or injured, the other can still fulfill the reason for the trip while the other stays at the hotel and rests. There’s no denying it’s unfortunate to miss a meeting with a client you travelled so far to meet, and the guilt that comes from having to cancel on a conference you were scheduled to speak at because you fell ill will only add to your condition, but it could be even worse if you go and get other people sick because you were too stubborn to listen to your body. Spreading an infection is a surefire way to ruin relationships with colleagues and clients alike, so either try doing a Skype call or sending someone healthier in your place.

If you’re prone to sickness, try to research ahead and see what doctors and urgent care offices are around wherever you’ll be staying. Finding something within your insurance plan can save you a hefty fee if you end up needing treatment, though this can be complicated when traveling outside your country. Thankfully, some hotels will have a list of nearby doctors for you to look at when doing your research, and some of those doctors may even do house calls directly to the hotel, but these visits can usually be pricey, so budget accordingly.

Speaking of insurance coverage, if you’re traveling on behalf of a large company, you may be covered under their plan. Mind you, the key word is “may.” Familiarize yourself with what gets covered by your workplace and what doesn’t, the difference could save or cost you a great deal of money. Asa general rule, if you’re going about work related activities, then any accidents or illnesses should be covered. On the other hand, if you’re taking in the sights or enjoying the venue, you are not doing work activities and any injuries will likely be your responsibility.

Finally, you should take plenty of precautions to ensure you stay healthy. Hotels usually offer simple medicines for headaches and stomach problems, but you should bring any prescriptions you require, and maybe look into local pharmacies if there are any specialty items you might need. Once at the hotel itself, check your bed to make sure it’s clean, wipe down the remote and phone with sanitary wipes, and avoid eating food you’re not familiar with before attending big meetings.

If you start feeling under the weather but not enough to warrant a trip to the hospital, a little hot tea and honey goes a long way. Take a long hot shower and let the steam open your sinuses before a small sniffle turns into a full-on flu. Sleep is also a good way to rejuvenate the body, but can be difficult to get when traveling at odd hours in strange new places. Try using sleeping aids to help, but test them beforehand at home. Do not try using new sleep aids on the road, the effectiveness and side effects could be problematic if you’re not aware of them or properly prepared for them.

Nothing short of sealing yourself in a sterilized bubble will keep you completely safe from germs, but unless those sterilized bubbles are what you’re selling, arriving like that might not give a good impression to whoever you’re meeting. Rather than risk entrepreneurial embarrassment, just follow my advice to keep yourself and your career growing healthy and strong.