The Basics
Written by the doctors and editors at UpToDate ‚
Why should I think about my health before I travel? " ” There are a few reasons: ‚
- Many travel destinations have germs that do not exist in the United States or other developed countries. When people from developed countries go to these places, they sometimes get infections.
- Travel itself can be a threat to your health. Flying, for example, can increase the risk of blood clots and other health problems.
- If you have an ongoing health problem, such as diabetes, it can be hard to find supplies or help if you get sick while you are away.
How do I keep from getting an infection when I travel? " ” If you are planning to go to Asia, Africa, South America, or Eastern Europe, make an appointment at a travel clinic. The doctors and nurses there can help you prepare for your trip. Depending on your destination, you might need to: ‚
- Have 1 or more vaccines, weeks or months before you go. For example, if you are traveling to parts of Africa or South America, you might need to get a vaccine against yellow fever.
- Avoid ice, tap water, and certain foods or parts of foods that can carry germs. If you drink untreated water or certain foods, you might get an infection that causes diarrhea, vomiting, or other problems.
- Treat the water you drink, to make sure it has no germs that could cause infection. To get rid of germs, you can boil water for 3 minutes and then let it cool. Another way to get rid of germs is to take 2 quarts of water, add 2 drops of 5% bleach, and wait 30 minutes.
- Use bug spray that has DEET or a chemical called picaridin. You should also wear clothes that protect you from insect bites. Plus, you should check yourself for insects and remove them if you find any. Insects can infect you with germs they carry when they bite or sting you.
- Take medicines before and during your trip that can prevent infections such as malaria.
- Wear shoes that cover your feet completely if you are anywhere that might have traces of dog or human waste in the sand or soil. This can happen in places that do not have good plumbing or that do not treat toilet water before dumping it. If you walk barefoot in places like these, you can get infected with worms.
What if I have a health condition, but I want to travel? " ” If you have an ongoing health problem, such as diabetes or heart disease, ask your doctor or nurse how to plan for your trip. ‚
Many people with health concerns are able to travel without any problems. The key is to plan ahead, and to make sure you have all the medicines and supplies you might need. Its also important to bring a list of all the medicines you take, the doses, and why you take them. ‚
Here are some examples of special needs people might have: ‚
- Some people with diabetes must carry pills, insulin, and syringes when they fly. They usually have a letter from their doctor explaining their needs.
- Some people with lung or heart disease need extra oxygen when they fly. That's because the air on a plane that is in-flight tends to have less oxygen than the air on the ground. People who need oxygen on the plane must arrange it with the airline before they fly.
- Some people with blood clotting problems or bad veins need to stand up and move around if they are on a long flight. Otherwise they can develop blood clots. They might also need to wear special stockings that improve blood flow in the legs.
What if I am pregnant and want to travel? " ” Travel is safe for most pregnant women. But women who have had problems during pregnancy, such as high blood pressure, should limit air travel. There are no known risks of air travel for an unborn baby. ‚
During long flights, pregnant women should stretch and flex their legs. They should also stand up and move around when it is safe to do so. This can prevent blood clots from forming in the legs. ‚
Some of the vaccines and medicines given to travelers are not safe for pregnant women. If you want to travel to a country where infection is a concern, ask your doctor or nurse if you can safely go there. Many doctors recommend that pregnant women not travel to places where there is malaria. ‚
What else should I think about when I travel? " ” If you are going to: ‚
- A sunny or warm place, make sure to wear sunblock and clothes that block the sun. Getting too much sun can lead to sunburns and increase the risk of skin cancer.
- The mountains or a place at high altitude, ask your doctor how you can keep from getting sick
- A place with a lot of traffic, keep in mind that the rules of the road are often different in other countries. Be extra careful when driving or crossing the street.
All topics are updated as new evidence becomes available and our peer review process is complete. ‚
This topic retrieved from UpToDate on: Nov 04, 2014. ‚
Topic 15363 Version 5.0 ‚
Release: 22.8 - C22.208 ‚
‚ © 2014 UpToDate, Inc. All rights reserved. ‚
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‚ © 2014 UpToDate, Inc. All rights reserved. ‚