Be Prepared When Traveling Abroad

Whether you travel for business or pleasure, maintaining good health while you are away is an important, yet often overlooked, part of planning your trip. Many parts of the world are less developed than the United States; this means that sanitation and basic hygiene standards may be less than you are accustomed to. In addition, there may be risks from mosquitoes, ticks, or animals. The local people may carry infectious diseases that the typical American is not immune to. Food and water-borne illnesses are common in these places, and are largely responsible for high infant mortality rates and shortened life expectancy among the local population; these infections can cause travelers diarrhea or more serious illnesses.

In addition, diseases that have long been eradicated from North America may be found in other parts of the world. For example, poliovirus causes a crippling paralysis — this disease no longer occurs here, but is an ongoing threat in numerous countries. Many people are unaware that yellow fever was epidemic in Philadelphia, New York, and Boston in the 1790s. This untreatable infection still causes death in tropical regions of Africa and South America. An effective vaccine provides protection, and in countries where the illness is endemic or recently brought undercontrol, a certificate proving yellow fever immunization is required for entry.

SARS (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome) emerged as a new threat to travelers in the winter and spring of 2003. Knowing where in the world infections are occurring has become a higher priority in this day of air travel where infections can be carried to the other side of the world in just a few hours. Did you know that influenza is a year-round problem in the tropics?

Travelers with chronic illnesses may be at special risk for severe complications of illness acquired while abroad — taking preventive measures with medications, vaccinations, and planning for the "what-ifs" is essential for this group of travelers. Altitude, pregnancy, children, diving, and jet lag — all of these are issues that may need to be considered before you travel. Knowledge of medical geography and distribution of disease, as well as risks and benefits of vaccines and preventive medications, is required to properly prepare for your trip.

At Longmont Clinic, our Travel Medicine Clinic is available to provide personalized recommendations for disease prevention based on your health history as well as your travel itinerary. We will consider risks from food and water, insects and animals, and other people in making recommendations for your trip. The best time to see us is about one to two months before your trip, or longer if you plan an extended trip or if you suspect your routine immunizations are not up to date.

Your travel should be an adventure in discovery of new places — don’t let an illness take away from your fun, but don’t be afraid of what’s out there. Knowing what to expect, what to avoid, and how to protect yourself should only add to the enjoyment of your journey.