Travel Medicine

Medical Author: Mary Nettleman, MD, MS
Coauthor: Kara Jacobs, MPH
Medical Editor: Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD

• Why should travelers see a physician before they leave?
• What diseases occur in travelers, and how can disease be prevented?
• Traveler's diarrhea
• Malaria
• Meningococcal meningitis
• Yellow fever
• Hepatitis A
• Typhoid fever
• Polio
• Cholera
• What about diseases for which there is no vaccine or preventive medication?
• What is safe to eat and drink while traveling?
• What can I do to avoid insect bites?
• What should be in my first aid kit?
• What are the medical concerns with jet lag?
• What if I have a medical condition or chronic disease?
• What if I'm pregnant?
• What about traveling with children?
• Where can I find additional information?

Flying with the Greatest of Ease Carry-On Baggage Tips Medical Author: Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD Medical Editor: William C. Shiel Jr., MD, FACP, FACR The imposition of stricter security measures for commercial airline passengers following the Aug. 10, 2006, arrests of individuals engaged in a terrorist plot to bomb U.S.-bound planes from Britain has left many travelers wondering how to manage their health conditions while traveling. The following tips may help those who are concerned about health issues when traveling by air: Remember that prescription medications are allowed in carry-on bags, with some restrictions. Prescriptions must be in their original pharmacy container labeled with the name of the passenger. Be sure that the name is the same as on your ticket. Don't combine your medications into one bottle; take each type of medication in its own labeled bottle. Place all medications in a plastic bag for ease during security screening. Nonprescription medications are also allowed, but remember to take these in their original containers, too. Take small packages containing the amount of medication you might reasonably expect to need while traveling—family-size bottles containing 500 tablets may be even considered suspicious. Get more tips for managing your health conditions while traveling »

Why should travelers see a physician before they leave?

Travelers should see a physician before leaving for a trip if they are going to developing countries, going off the usual tourist routes, or if they have chronic diseases that could be affected by travel. Travelers should protect themselves against common diseases that may be mild but that will disrupt their trip as well as protecting themselves against less common diseases that may be serious or even fatal. Some foreign countries require certain vaccinations before they will allow the traveler to enter the country. All travelers need to be up to date on routine vaccines they would normally get if they were not traveling (for example, an annual influenza vaccination if indicated). No vaccinations are required for re-entry into the United States for foreign travelers.

What diseases occur in travelers, and how can disease be prevented?

Travelers can pick up infections from contaminated food or water, from insect bites, animal bites, or from other people. Vaccinations, medications, and simple precautions can reduce or eliminate the risk of many of these travel-related infections. While infections are the most common problem for travelers, it is important to remember that the most common cause of death in travelers is motor vehicle accidents. Be sure to look both ways before crossing the street, don't get in the car if the driver is drunk, and use seatbelts if available both at home and when traveling.

This review will only cover diseases commonly encountered by travelers or those for which vaccinations are recommended. For a more complete discussion, please refer to the CDC travel medicine Web site (http://www.cdc.gov).

From the Doctors at MedicineNet.com

Flu Vaccine - Get the facts about influenza vaccine (flu shot) ingredients, side effects and effectiveness. Learn who should (children, pregnant women, elderly) and shouldn't get a flu shot. Source:MedicineNet Gastroenteritis (Stomach Flu) - Gastroenteritis (stomach flu) is an infection caused by a variety of viruses. Symtpoms include diarrhea, vomiting, headache, fever, and abominal cramps (stomach ache). Source:Government Dengue Fever - Get the facts on dengue fever causes (virus transmitted by infected mosquito), symptoms, signs, treatment, statistics and information on dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF). Source:MedicineNet Read 135 more Travel Medicine related articles ... Travel Tips for Seniors Planning for Health Emergencies Eases Stress of Family Travel Traveling With Allergies? Pack a Plan, Too Health Tip: Walking on Foreign Soil