International Travel
Nothing is more appealing than a vacation in a different climate
away from home. Yet how often do we hear friends complain that
their dream vacations were ruined by unexpected health problems,
such as "Montezuma's revenge," a bad sunburn, or more serious
illness? For most travelers staying in resort areas, simple
preparations and precautions can eliminate the risk of a vacation
ruined by illness.
If you're traveling outside North America or Western Europe, more
time and consideration are needed to protect your health. Each year,
hundreds of thousands of people travel to countries where diseases
such as malaria, typhoid, and dengue fever still pose serious threats
to the unprotected traveler. In these areas, whether you're seeking
sun and sand, traveling for business, or embarking on the adventure
of a lifetime, you need to take extra precautions to safeguard your
health. Below is some common questions and travel trips. Click here
to get the lowdown on insects.
away from home. Yet how often do we hear friends complain that
their dream vacations were ruined by unexpected health problems,
such as "Montezuma's revenge," a bad sunburn, or more serious
illness? For most travelers staying in resort areas, simple
preparations and precautions can eliminate the risk of a vacation
ruined by illness.
If you're traveling outside North America or Western Europe, more
time and consideration are needed to protect your health. Each year,
hundreds of thousands of people travel to countries where diseases
such as malaria, typhoid, and dengue fever still pose serious threats
to the unprotected traveler. In these areas, whether you're seeking
sun and sand, traveling for business, or embarking on the adventure
of a lifetime, you need to take extra precautions to safeguard your
health. Below is some common questions and travel trips. Click here
to get the lowdown on insects.
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| Source: Sanofi Pasteur |
When should I be immunized?
- Some immunization schedules can take up to 8 weeks to complete. It's important to visit your health-care professional as soon
as you know your destination and itinerary.
- There are three types of immunizations: routine, required, and recommended. Recommended vaccinations are a particular
importance to the international traveler -- especially if you're traveling for an extended period of time.
Routine: All adults should update these routine immunizations every 10 years:
- Tetanus and diptheria
Required: Proof of immunization is required to enter some countries:
- Yellow Fever
- Meningoccal during Hajj (an annual Islamic tradition)
- Cholera
Recommended: Depending on your itinerary, planned activities, and current health status, your health-care professional may
recommend one or more of these immunizations
- Polio
- Influenza
- Hepatitis B
- Japanese encephalitis
- Pneumococcal
- Hepatitis A
- Typhoid
- Meningococcal
- Rabies
The International Traveling Consultation Record
is available free of charge. After we receive your
completed form, you will be contacted with the
required and recommended vaccinations for your
travels.
is available free of charge. After we receive your
completed form, you will be contacted with the
required and recommended vaccinations for your
travels.
Traveling Tips:
- Don't depend on immunization alone to keep you healthy. Vaccines don't offer 100% protection for all individuals. If you're
traveling to risk areas, rigorously follow safe food and water precautions. - If traveling with children, additional vaccines may be required for them. Consult your pediatrician or travel physician.
- Certificate for International Travel. If you are traveling to (or transitting through) certain countries in Africa or South America, you
may require a certificate of vaccination against yellow fever. Your vaccination can be administered only in a clinic that has been
approved by the World Health Organization (WHO) to administer yellow fever vaccine. Most travel clinics provide yellow fever
vaccine, but if yours does not, you may be referred to another clinic that has WHO approval. - Consult your local travel clinic for advice on planning a safe and healthy trip.
- Some diseases such as malaria may not become apparent until after you return from your trip, and you may require a post-travel
checkup. Visit your doctor immediately if you develop any signs of illness, especially within the first 2 months after you return. - Your skin can burn even when you're not directly in the sun or when it's overcast. Get in the habit of applying sunscreen and
dressing appropriately even when you're not at the beach. - Under specific conditions, there are medications that are effective in preventing altitude sickness. Talk to your health-care
professional. - Whether you plan to be physically active or not, you should wear loose-fitting, light-colored clothing made of natural fabrics, such
as cotton or linen. These fabrics breathe better and will help your body remain cool in hot climates. - You can minimize the effects of jet lag by altering your sleep habits 1 week prior to departure. Another way to prepare for the
difference in time zones is to control the type of sunlight you're exposed to during the first few days after your arrival. Your travel
health-care professional can advise you on the best method for you - There are several prescription and over-the-counter medications available to relieve the symptoms of motion sickness. Most
should be taken at least half an hour before departure. Talk to your health-care professional about the appropriate medication
and dosage, especially for children. - To protect yourself from fleas and ticks, wear closed footwear and tuck your pants into your socks. You can soak clothing in an
insecticide, such as permethrin, for extra protection. - Carefully ensure that you eat and drink only well-cooked food and bottled beverages, including drinking water.
- If you find yourself in a non-emergency situation requiring blood transfusion, request to be flown home if blood cannot be
adequately screened first. - Avoid consuming unpasteurized milk, which may contain tuberculosis bacteria.
- You should make a post-travel appointment to see your physician if: you have spent 3 months or more in rural areas of the
developing world; you were told that you had or were suspected to have malaria; you were treated or hospitalized for any medical
illness; you continue to have any unusual ongoing activities; or your activities while overseas exposed you to increased health
risks.
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