The onset of altitude sickness can occur anytime from the first few hours at altitude to up to four days and can last for many days. Susceptible individuals will usually have a headache, with nausea and vomiting. Dizziness and sleep disturbances are common accompaniments. A slow ascent can help; many travelers coming to Summit County or Vail Valley choose to spend a night in Denver on the way. Limited exercise and no alcohol are important recommendations for the first day. Certain preventive medicines are often recommended, with oxygen to be administered on arrival and throughout the first night. With physician attention, symptoms are nearly always resolved promptly, and unusual but severe complications are averted. With treatment, descent is rarely ever needed.
