What you need to know about travel health

When traveling internationally, you should be aware that conditions in other countries may be significantly different from where you are living, including standards of hygiene; food and water; or climate and environmental conditions. These conditions may seriously affect your health and personal security during travel, so be sure you find out what you need to know before you leave home.

Before You Go

Take an ample supply of medications. Keep prescription and over-the-counter medications in their original packaging to avoid problems with border guards. Carry one or two days' worth of prescription medicine to cover unexpected delays. Consider carrying sunscreen and protection against insects, as well as treatments for the common cold; constipation; cuts, scratches, and burns; diarrhea; heartburn or indigestion; insomnia; motion sickness; allergies; nasal congestion; pain or fever; sore throat; and malaria prevention.

Think about immunizations. Before you travel, contact a travel clinic or your doctor six to eight weeks before you go, to allow time for any vaccinations you may need. This is especially true if you are going to tropical areas or developing countries. Also, check CDC's Web site for information on immunizations for travelers (wwwn.cdc.gov/travel/contentVaccinations.aspx).

Travel Health Insurance.Arrange for private health insurance while you are away, as your provincial/territorial health insurance may not cover you. Your travel agent can advise you on this.

While in Developing Countries

Avoid tap water in all forms. This includes ice, water by the glass or in mixed drinks, and water used when brushing your teeth. In developing countries, water may be contaminated by such unpleasantries as amoebas and other parasites, and the virus that causes hepatitis. Even a small amount of infected water can make you ill.
Drink safe beverages. These include
• Boiled water – one minute of boiling is adequate.
• Hot beverages – these are relatively safe even if full boiling is not assured.
• Bottled water – carbonated water is the best assurance that the container was just opened and not filled at the tap.
• Bottled or canned beverages
• Treated water – commercial iodine or chlorine tablets provide substantial protection if added to tap water and allowed to stand according to the directions.
Avoid raw fruits and vegetables. This includes salads and uncooked vegetables. Eat only food that has been cooked and is still hot, or fruit that has been washed in clean water and that you have peeled. Fruits and vegetables that grow near to the ground are likely to be contaminated by the same organisms as the tap water.
Avoid other foods. These include
• Raw or undercooked meat, poultry, fish and eggs
• Dairy products from small independent vendors
• Food that has been left unrefrigerated, especially food containing meat, poultry, eggs and dairy products
Eat safe foods. These include
• Thoroughly cooked fruits and vegetables
• Fruits with a thick covering (citrus fruits, bananas, and melons), which you peel yourself
• Thoroughly cooked meat, poultry, eggs and fish. (Pork and lamb should be well done; beef can be medium)
• Dairy products from large commercial dairies

Illnesses to Avoid

Diarrhea. The most common cause of tourists' diarrhea can be treated with over-the-counter, "upset-stomach" products. (Buy these before you leave.) Effective drugs that control the frequency of diarrhea include Lomotil (diphenoxylate), lmodium (loperamide), and Kaopectate. Remember that adequate fluid intake is essential to preventing dehydration. Find reliable medical help if you have severe abdominal cramps, severe abdominal pain, high fever, blood or mucus in your stool, and/or severe dehydration.
Respiratory diseases. Many diseases—including influenza, tuberculosis, and diphtheria—are spread through sneezing, coughing, or talking. Consult your physician about testing and immunization.
Mosquito-borne diseases. These include malaria, yellow fever, dengue, and Japanese B encephalitis. To avoid mosquitoes
• Bring plenty of liquid mosquito repellent with at least 30% of the active ingredient Diethyltoluamide (DEET).
• Wear long sleeves and long pants.
• Sleep in a bed protected by mosquito netting, if needed.
Schistosomiasis. Swimmers need to know that many freshwater ponds in South America, Africa, and Asia are infested with a parasite that causes a chronic disease called schistosomiasis. Chlorinated pools and salt water are generally safe from infectious diseases.

Source: FDA (2008).Stay Healthy While Traveling Abroad. Retrieved from http://www.fda.gov/consumer/updates/travel_health062308.html