In this Article

• 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?
• Travel Medicine Glossary
• Travel Medicine Index

What is safe to eat and drink while traveling?

• In general, it is best not to drink tap water in a developing country.



• Ice is not safe. Freezing water does not destroy most infections.



• Boiled water and drinks made from boiled water (tea) are usually safe.



• Alcohol (beer, wine) is usually safe.



• Carbonated bottled water or sodas are usually safe. Uncarbonated water may be safe, but even bottled water may be filled up from the local tap water source.



• Iodine tablets or commercially available water filters may be used to purify water when camping.



• In general, foods that you peel yourself (bananas) are safe.



• Hot, well-cooked foods are usually safe.



• Spices do not kill bacteria. Food can be so spicy that it burns your mouth and still cause traveler's diarrhea or more serious diseases.



• Foods that put the traveler at high risk for infection include undercooked meat and seafood.



• Foods washed in contaminated water may have a residue of bacteria.

What can I do to avoid insect bites?

• Wear light, protective clothing.



• Use insect repellents that contain DEET (most popular brand-name insect repellents in the United States contain DEET). Reapply according to directions. When using sunscreen, apply sunscreen first and then repellent.



• If you are hiking, tuck your pant leg into your sock. Check yourself over for ticks at the end of the hike.



• Use mosquito netting or window screens if they are available.



• Products that contain permethrin (an insect repellent) are available to spray on your clothes or tent for added protection.

Suggested Reading by Our Doctors

• doxycycline, Vibramycin, Oracea, Adoxa, Atridox and Others - Learn more about Doxycycline, including a description, generic and brand names, drug class and mechanism, preparations, storage, reasons for prescription, dosing, drug interactions, effect on pregnancy and nursing mothers, and common side effects.
• Flu Vaccine - Get the facts about influenza vaccine (flu shot) ingredients, side effects and vaccination effectiveness. Learn who should (children, pregnant women, elderly) and shouldn't get a flu shot.
• 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).

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