Travel and Health Information
About travel-related illness
Travelers who travel internationally have a 50% chance of contracting a travel-related sickness. While the majority of travel-related illnesses are mild, several highly deadly infectious diseases are endemic in some places of the globe.
All travelers should be well-prepared for their trip and be aware of health risks and precautions to take to avoid illness.
Prepare for travel
You may do a variety of things to prepare for a healthy holiday, including:
- Have a medical examination. Before you travel, be sure you’re in good health.
- Update your immunizations and inquire about additional immunizations.
- Pack a first-aid kit for yourself and any youngsters accompanying you on your trip.
- Make sure you have adequate medication or get a prescription if you need it.
- Make arrangements for travel insurance, which should include coverage in the event that you need to be airlifted to an appropriate hospital.
Make an appointment for a dental examination. - Check your vision and bring an extra pair of glasses.
Travel vaccinations
Vaccinations or drugs to guard against infections like hepatitis, typhoid, or malaria may be necessary. In fact, some countries require travelers to obtain particular vaccines, such as yellow fever, in order to enter the country.
Because you’ll require immunizations weeks or months before your trip, it’s advisable to see your doctor 6 to 8 weeks ahead of time. If you need to travel on short notice, though, you can still get some immunizations.
Your doctor will be able to tell you which immunizations are best for you based on the following factors:
- Your medical history and age
- Your location and likely lodging
- The season you’ll be traveling
- The length of your stay
- The type of travel you’ll be doing, such as a bus trip or backpacking
Tips for older travellers
Traveling poses the same, if not lower, risk of mortality or major illness for older persons than staying at home.
However, it is critical to plan ahead of time, therefore do the following before departing:
- Visit your doctor for a check-up and to discuss your fitness for your next trip.
- Makean appointment with your dentist and optometrist.
- Bring a spare set of glasses, as well as any necessary medications and a small medical kit.
- If necessary, arrange for travel health insurance that includes coverage for pre-existing conditions.
- Check to see if it includes emergency evacuation.
- Make sure you’re up to date on your usual immunizations and get vaccinated against influenza and pneumonia.
- Use luggage with built-in wheels to protect your back and joints.
- Take appropriate clothing and hats for the weather.
- Consider having a planned vacation if your health or the health of someone you’re traveling with is a worry.
Eating and drinking while travelling
Gastrointestinal infections are the most prevalent travel-related ailments, which are mainly contracted from improperly cooked foods or untreated water. To avoid the diarrhoea, stomach aches, nausea, and vomiting that come with these disorders, take the following precautions:
- Alternatively, use boiling or bottled water, as well as water purifiers or pills.
- Drinks with ice should be avoided.
- Milk and dairy products that have not been pasteurized should be avoided.
- Fruit and vegetables washed in the local water should be avoided.
- Bananas, oranges, and mandarins are examples of thick-skinned fruit and vegetables that you can peel yourself.
- Make sure the meal is properly cooked before eating it.
Shellfish should be avoided. - Don’t eat from street vendors; hotels and busy restaurants are the safest places to eat.
- Take extra precautions with your personal hygiene.
STD Infection/ per day
Living with Herpes
HPV Woman Infection
Living with Hepatitis B
Sexually transmissible infections and travel
Many nations, notably in Africa and Southeast Asia, have endemic HIV and other sexually transmissible infections (STIs). Always use condoms to ensure safe sex. If you live in Atlanta GA, use this STD Testing Facility in Atlanta GA to get tested before and after you travel. If you live in NYC, you can use this STD Testing Lab in NYC.
Avoid mosquito bites when travelling
Mosquitoes spread deadly infectious diseases such as malaria, Zika virus, yellow fever, Japanese encephalitis, and dengue fever. While vaccines and treatments are available to help prevent some of these diseases, travelers should always protect themselves against mosquito bites.
Here are a few suggestions:
- Use a mosquito repellent that includes at least 30% DEET or 20% picaridin to keep mosquitos at bay.
- Between dusk and dawn, stay inside. At this time, mosquitoes carrying the malaria parasite are most active.
- Prior to travel, soak clothing, bedding, mosquito nets, and tents in a safe repellent (such as permethrin).
- When going outside, wear socks, long pants, and long-sleeved shirts.
- Make use of a bed net.
- Stay in a screened, air-conditioned room.
