If you plan to travel outside the U.S. to almost any area almost any area except most of Europe, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, and Japan – see a health care provider, preferably four to six weeks before you leave. He or she will want to know your itinerary and the kinds of activities you are planning. These considerations are important:
- Whether you are planning a long or short stay
- Your destination
- Whether you are traveling for school, work or pleasure
- Whether you will spend most of your time in urban or rural areas
- What type of living accommodations you have arranged
- How adventurous your plans are
What should I do?
- Get the vaccinations that are recommended. Be sure you are up-to-date with your childhood immunizations as well.
- Make sure your food and water are safe. Being careful of the food and water you consume is the best way to prevent traveler’s diarrhea and illnesses like hepatitis A. Do not buy food from street vendors. Avoid all raw food, including uncooked vegetables, salads, meats, fish and shellfish. Don’t eat fruit unless it can be easily peeled, such as bananas. Make sure that the cooked food you eat is piping hot. Be certain that dairy products such as milk, cheese and butter have been fully pasteurized and properly refrigerated. Avoid tap water. Drink only bottled water, soda, beer and wine. Remember that fruit juice, mixed alcoholic beverages, and ice cubes may have been prepared with tap water, so avoid them, too. Brush your teeth with bottled or previously boiled water.
- Avoid insect and animal bites. Next to contaminated food and water, insect bites are the most common mode of disease transmission in developing countries. Do everything possible to avoid mosquito bites. Before you leave for your trip, make sure you have a good supply of insect repellant, both for your clothing and for your skin. Dress protectively in a mosquito environment – wear long sleeves and trousers. Don’t use perfume or wear bright colors. Take along insect netting if you plan to sleep outdoors or if your hotel is unlikely to have screens on the windows. If you are camping, sleep as far as possible from places where insects are likely to be found – stagnant water, swampy areas, and piles of rocks or rotting wood. Don’t swim in fresh water – Schistosomiasis, a disease caused by parasites, is carried by freshwater snails in many parts of the world. Don’t walk barefoot. If an animal bites you, especially a dog or a bat, wash the wound immediately and seek medical help. Rabies (a fatal illness) is common in developing countries, even among pet dogs. If you cannot locate medical help, or if you feel medical authorities are not taking your situation seriously, return home and seek immediate help.
How can I avoid traveler’s diarrhea?
The easiest way is to choose your food and water carefully. If you are going someplace where diarrhea is common, you may want to take along some over-the-counter medication like Imodium AD. Sometimes an antibiotic may be prescribed. Iodine tablets/drops for water purification may also be a good idea if access to bottled or boiled water is limited.
Can I travel safely with health problems?
Travel is safe for most people, even those with significant health problems. Work with your health care provider – they can make recommendations to make your trip safer and more enjoyable. They may also give you the names of qualified physicians in the places you plan to visit – and remember that most people are only a phone call away from almost anywhere in the world you plan to visit!
It is generally not advisable to purchase medications overseas. If you are taking medicines, be sure you have a full supply when you leave home. Carry a list of your medications, with brand and generic names, and dosages. If possible, take a photocopy of the original prescription with you. Keep your medications and the prescription information with you at all times rather than in checked luggage. Depending on your situation, you may want to carry a summary of your medical records while on your trip. Also be sure to pack an extra pair of eyeglasses or contact lenses along with any needed cleaning and disinfectant solutions.
How can I get good medical or emergency help overseas?
The American consulate or embassy in your area is the best place to seek advice. If you are in an area without an American consulate, try any other English-language consulate. If you are in a remote area, try to locate a missionary or volunteer agency hospital. If you have a health care plan, find out how it covers you while traveling. It is essential to have some sort of insurance to cover a medical emergency/evacuation abroad. The International Student Identification Card offers basic sickness and accident coverage (www.statravel.com).
How else can I stay safe?
American behaviors and customs are not universal and can be misunderstood. Be observant and respectful. Take your cues for certain manners and dress codes from locals and experienced travelers. Try to learn some basic phrases of the country’s language, as well as some history, politics and culture. Remember, while in a foreign country, you are subject to its laws!
For loads more travel information visit: www.cdc.gov and www.travel.state.gov
University Health Services offers travel clinic appointments and most vaccines are available. Come see us!
Sources:
www.who.int
www.etr.org
The Safe Travel Book – SmithKline Beecham