What you need to know when you travel internationally:
Use common sense
Traveling to tropical climates may be a big adjustment for body and mind. It's tempting to toss caution to the wind and trust in luck alone. But you'll enjoy your trip more if you take precautions to stay healthy.
Determine your risk
Each traveler is unique. You risk of exposure to disease and developing an illness while traveling is determined by several factors. Discuss these with your health care provider at your travel clinic consultation:
- Your current health
- Length of time before departure
- Geographical destination
- Itinerary
- Purpose of travel
- Length of stay
- Type of accommodation
- Food and water sources
Ask about immunizations
The travel clinic consultation can give you advice on the appropriate immunization to maximize your health protection. Your childhood immunizations should be up-to-date and you may need other immunizations. Some immunization schedules can take up to eight weeks, so make your appointment as soon as you start planning your trip.
Recognize and reduce your risks
Appropriate immunization will help protect you from several serious diseases. You can further safeguard you health by understanding how diseases are transmitted and by taking personal precautions to reduce your risks. Make an appointment for a travel clinic consultation or to your provider for further advice.
Food and water precautions
Consuming contaminated food and water is one of the most common ways for travelers to develop illnesses. Typhoid, hepatitis A, polio, traveler's diarrhea and cholera may be transmitted by contaminated food and water. Take steps to ensure your water is properly purified and food is either well-cooked or washed and peeled.
Insects
In most developing and third world countries the mosquito can be a threat to your health. Malaria, Dengue fever, Japanese encephalitis and yellow fever are all transmitted by infected mosquitoes. Wear protective clothing and use an effective insect repellent.
Contaminated Soil
Throughout the world, soil can be contaminated with bacteria that can enter broken skin and cause tetanus. Certain parasites are capable of entering unbroken skin. These are found in soil or sand contaminated by cat or dog feces. Always wear protective footwear. Try to avoid direct contact with sand and soil that may be contaminated with animal feces.
Person-person (coughing and sneezing)
Along with the common cold, diseases such as influenza, diphtheria, meningococcal meningitis and tuberculoses are transmitted from person-to-person through coughing or sneezing. Travelers should try to avoid exposure to infected individuals by using common sense. Always wash your hands before eating or preparing food.
Person-to-person (sexual activities or blood)
Hepatitis B and AIDS are transmitted via contaminated needles, syringes, blood and sexual activities. Travelers should avoid casual sexual encounters. If you may require condoms or needles and syringes, carry you own. Avoid tattooing and ear piercing. Try to ensure blood products have been adequately screened before a transfusion.
