Bon Voyage!
Americans frequently travel overseas for business, recreation or education. International travel can be a life-enriching experience, but it also can pose health risks, especially in less developed countries.
"Along with the pleasures of travel come the inherent risk of illness, from common complaints such as travelers' diarrhea, sunburn and motion sickness to the potential for more exotic diseases or even accidents," says Dr. Linda Williams, a staff physician at the Baylor Health Center. Most travelers enjoy healthy and safe visits to faraway lands, but Dr. Williams advises an ounce of prevention before you pack your bags. Here are some tips to ensure a bon voyage:
Acquaint yourself with the health risks of your destination. Is the water safe to drink? Are mosquito-borne illnesses common? The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Web site lists current health risks for most countries.
Some countries require immunizations before entry. Travel immunizations are available at travel clinics, state and local health departments, student health services and some medical offices. Dr. Williams suggests contacting a health care provider four to six weeks before departure for personalized recommendations. Even if an immunization is not required, it may be advisable. For example, Hepatitis A is common in Mexico, but U.S. travelers often don't think of Mexico as a foreign destination, so they do not get immunized, Dr. Williams says.
If you have a chronic disease, consult your physician before your trip. Carry with you a list of any medical conditions, medications, drug allergies and your physician's name and phone number. Remember to bring vaccination records if any are required for your destination, as well as copies of insurance papers.
Have an adequate supply of all regular prescription medications. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends you keep prescription medications in their original containers in your carry-on bag and bring copies of your prescriptions. Depending on the region of the world to which you are traveling, your physician also may prescribe additional medication to treat intestinal or other infections.
Pack a first-aid kit. The WHO Web site contains a recommended list of medicines and supplies to treat common ailments.
On long plane flights, Dr. Williams recommends travelers drink plenty of water, walk around the cabin once an hour and do isometric calf exercises to reduce the risk of deep vein thrombosis (leg blood clots).
Drive in other countries with caution. The International Society of Travel Medicine reports that traffic accidents are among the most serious health threats to travelers abroad because they often underestimate the risks posed by unfamiliar road signs and driving practices.
Consider travel health insurance if your policy does not cover overseas medical expenses. Some policies include assistance to get you back home in the event of a serious medical illness or other emergency. Companies that offer these policies are available through travel or insurance agents.
Finally, to protect yourself against crime, check out "A Safe Trip Abroad" on the U.S. Department of State Web site. One of a series of travel booklets published by the department, it gives practical advice about crime prevention and contains links to travel advisories and security warnings.
web resources
www.cdc.gov/travel/index.htm
"Traveler's Health," from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention travel Web site, has the most up-to-date information about disease outbreaks and immunizations. Special sections include "Traveling With Children," "Special Needs Travelers" and "Medical Emergency Preparation."
www.who.int/iht
"International Travel and Health" is the travel Web site of the World Health Organization. Suggestions include a pretravel checklist and descriptions of specific diseases.
travel.state.gov/asafetripabroad.html
This U.S. Department of State Web site of the Bureau of Consular Affairs provides detailed information about what to bring and leave behind for heightened security.
Eat, drink and be wary
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends standard food and water precautions for countries where travelers face an increased risk of contracting intestinal illnesses. In these countries, it is suggested that travelers avoid:
' Raw vegetables, especially salads
' Fruit that you have not peeled yourself
' Unpasteurized dairy products
' Cooked foods not served steaming hot
' Shellfish, Raw meat, Ice
' Tap water, even to brush teeth
Source: CDC, www.cdc.gov/travel/foodwatr.htm
Beal is a lecturer in Baylor's Louise Herrington School of Nursing, where she teaches "The Experience of Illness." She received her BS from Columbia University and her MN from Emory. She is a freelance health and medical writer.