Health

Before You Go

• Take steps to prepare for your travels abroad and anticipate issues that might arise.

• Know your health status before you travel. When you are sick you can spread diseases to others. Postpone your travels and stay home when you are sick.

• Check your destination to get country-specific health advice Depending on where you wiII be going and what you wiII be doing, you may need vaccinations or medicines before you leave.

        Make an appointment with your doctor at least a month before you leave. Work with your doctor to evaluate your health and the health of  those planning to travel with you.

• What vaccines and medicines you need (and are safe for you to take) depend on many factors specific to you. Give your doctor all the details they need to make the right travel health recommendations for you.

• Provide them with information such as where you wiII be traveling, how long you will be gone, what activities you wiII be doing, and your medical history like, if you’ve recently had surgery, a heart attack, a stroke, a history of blood clots, deep vein thrombosis (DVT), or pulmonary embolism (PE), or if you’re traveling with a disability, a weakened immune system, or a chronic illness.

• Consider travel insurance

        Trip cancellation insurance covers your financial investment in your trip.

        Travel Health Insurance. If your health insurance policy doesn’t cover you while you’re traveling (not all do – best to check in advance), consider purchasing additional insurance.
Otherwise, if you need to go to a hospital or clinic overseas, you will probably be asked to pay out of pocket for any services.

• Medical Evacuation service. lf you become ill or injured in remate areas or in countries where medical care is not up to international standards, medical evacuation insurance will cover the cost of transporting you to a place where you can receive high-quality care.

• Also, check with the foreign embassy of the country you will be visiting to make sure your prescription medicines are permitted at your destination. Read more about traveling abroad with prescription medicines.

• Pack smart

         Pack for a healthy trip. A complete travel health kit includes first aid items, sunscreen, insect repellent, over-the­ counter medicine, and all your prescription medicines.
lf you take any medicines regularly, pack enough for your whole trip plus a little extra, just in case.

• Check with the embassy or consulate of the country you will be visiting to make sure your prescription medicines are permitted there. Not all medicines, even if they are prescribed by a doctor, are legal in all countries. Read more about traveling abroad with medicines.

During Your Trip

• Avoid road accidents

• Always wear your seat belt, only ride in vehicles that have seat belts, and put children in car seats.

• Hire a local driver when possible or ask your hotel for a trustworthy driver or taxi company.

• Never ride with a driver who has been drinking.

• Avoid riding on overloaded buses.

• Avoid traveling at night and alone.

• Prevent bug bites.

        Mosquitoes, ticks, fleas, and some flies can spread diseases such as malaria, yellow fever, Zika, dengue, chikungunya, and Lyme disease, all of which can have severe consequences.

        Use registered insect repellents with one of the following active ingredients: DEET, picaridin, IR3535, oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE), para-menthane-diol (PMD), or 2-undecanone. Find a registered insect repellent that’s right for you.

• Eat and drink safely.

        Wherever possible, eat only food that has been fully cooked and served hot.

        Do not eat fresh vegetables or fruits unless you can wash or peel them yourself.

        Drink only bottled, sealed beverages, and avoid ice-it was likely made with tap water.

• Prevent Sunburn

        Pack sunscreen that provides protection against both UVA and UVB rays.

        When using sunscreen and insect repellent, apply sunscreen first. Let it dry, and then apply repellent. Reapply both as instructed.

• Be aware of your personal safety

         Follow local laws and customs.

         Limit alcohol intake.

• Wear protective gear during adventure activities, such as helmets when biking or climbing.

• Use caution when swimming and during water activities.

         Do not swim in fresh water in developing areas or where sanitation is poor.

• Do not go barefoot. Consider protective footwear when swimming in open water to avoid injuries that could lead to infection. Even on beaches there may be animal waste that can be a source of human infections.

• Be aware of local weather conditions and forecasts.

• Watch for large waves, strong tides, and signs of rip currents .

• Avoid animal bites.

         Be careful when petting or handling animals. Even kittens and puppies can spread disease.

         lf an animal bites, scratches, or licks you, wash the area immediately and thoroughly with soap and water.

         Call a doctor to find out if you need medication, a tetanus vaccine booster, or rabies preventive treatment.

• Prevent sexually transmitted infections. Always use condoms with new sex partners.

•  If you get sick or injured during your trip

         lf on an airplane or a cruise ship, tell a crew member immediately.

         lf at your destination, find a clinic abroad through the nearest embassy or consulate in the country you are visiting.

• If you are involved in a natural disaster during your trip

         Seek advice from the nearest embassy or consulate.

         Learn in advance if your destination is at increased risk for certain natural disasters.

After Your Trip

lf you feel sick after you return from your trip, visit a doctor or a travel medicine specialist immediately and make sure you tell them about your recent travels.