You’ve been saving diligently for a vacation to Africa, India, China, or some other exotic destination, and the time has finally arrived! I know someone who’s going to a remote part of Mexico to see the Monarch Migration. These trips can pose some health risks, and the last thing you want is something ruining your trip once you’re there.
Travel abroad is always exciting, no matter where you’re going or what you’re doing. There are new places to see, new things to do, and new foods to taste. As fun as planning and arriving are, a vacation can quickly turn from the “trip of a lifetime” to the “trip from Hades.” However, there are some practical preparations you can do to hopefully prevent a disaster.
What’s the number one ailment when you’re traveling? Surprisingly, it’s not as mysterious as Ebola, SARS, or the Bird Flu. According to the CDC, it’s traveler’s diarrhea, a.k.a. TD, a.k.a. Montezuma’s Revenge! Respiratory ailments (other than SARS) and Hepatitis A come in as the next most contagious complaints.
Every year, an estimated 10 million international travelers develop diarrhea, usually within the first week of leaving home, and the primary cause is contaminated food or water. No matter where you’re traveling, don’t drink the water! Don’t become a statistic!
If you’re planning to visit some of the more exotic destinations around the world, a visit to your healthcare practitioner to get poked with immunizations is part of the package. But that’s not enough! You need to make sure you have all of the over-the-counter medications and/or prescription drugs you take on a regular basis (the formulas might be different in other countries), and having a medical card that lists your doctor’s name and phone number, pharmacist’s name and phone number, and emergency contact name and phone number is a good idea. Actually, it’s imperative, even if you’re not traveling far. Another tip: Don’t pack medication in your check-in bags – they might end up in another part of the world! Always carry them with you on the plane.
Below is a list of 10 of the most common travel diseases. If you’re planning travel in an area with a high occurrence of infectious disease, talk to your doctor about the immunizations needed.
Ten most common travel diseases:
• Cholera
• Diarrhea
• Hepatitis A
• Hepatitis B
• Japanese Encephalitis
• Malaria
• Meningococcus/Meningitis
• Tetanus
• Typhoid Fever
• Yellow Fever
Before your trip:
Visit CDC’s Travelers’ Health Web site to learn about any disease risks and health recommendations for areas you plan to visit.
See a travel medicine specialist or a doctor familiar with travel medicine at least 4–6 weeks before you leave to answer your questions and make specific recommendations.
Be sure you are up-to-date with your routine vaccinations, including a seasonal flu vaccine. Although a seasonal flu vaccine will not protect you from bird flu, it will protect you from seasonal flu, which more common worldwide than bird flu. In addition, get any travel-related vaccines your doctor recommends.
Pack a travel health kit that contains basic first aid and medical supplies.
Know where health care resources are located in your destination at Doctors/Hospitals Abroad (travel.state.gov/travel/tips/emergencies/emergencies_1195.html).
Learn more about preparing for your trip at Your Survival Guide to Safe and Healthy Travel (wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/page/survival-guide.htm).
More travel tips:
• Keep a day’s supply of prescription medications you use with you if venturing out for the day.
• Remember the Imodium.
• And, last but not least, ALWAYS DRINK BOTTLED WATER FROM WHICH YOU HAVE REMOVED THE SEALED CAP – even on the plane trip home. Don’t assume airline water is safer than the country it’s leaving.
Have a happy and healthy vacation!