Travel Medicine (cont.)
What if I have a medical condition or a chronic disease?
Careful preparation will allow travelers have a safe and enjoyable trip. See
your physician before traveling to be sure your understand how to manage your
condition while traveling. In some cases, an exercise regimen may be recommended
to get in shape before the trip. It is important to check with your health-insurance provider to determine what is covered in the destination country.
Travelers with diabetes may need to adjust their insulin-dosing schedule if
they cross several time zones. Frequent monitoring of blood sugar (glucose) by
finger stick is usually recommended. Remember to carry insulin in your carry-on
baggage (otherwise it will freeze in the cargo hold). An identification bracelet
showing that you have diabetes is also recommended. Carry a source of sugar in
case your blood glucose drops. Remember that exercise may cause blood sugar to
dip, so always carry your supplies on hikes, etc. Finally, keep up with your
fluids. Hydration can help avoid complications if your blood sugar jumps.
Travelers with heart disease should carry a recent electrocardiogram and a
list of all current medications. Medications should be kept in carry-on luggage.
If you have a pacemaker, you should know the name of the company that made it
and how to contact someone if it stops working. Travelers with unstable heart
disease (unstable angina, severe heart failure, recent heart attack, or unstable
heart rhythm) should delay travel until their condition is stable.
Travelers who have problems with their immune system due to active cancer,
chemotherapy, or AIDS may encounter special problems. In general, vaccines
made from live organisms are usually avoided in people with significantly
impaired immune systems. Even non-live travel-appropriate vaccines may not work
as well as usual, but they are still beneficial and should be given. Consider
delaying travel until the immune system is back to normal, if this is possible.
Consultation with a disease specialist and a travel-medicine specialist before
departure is strongly recommended.
Travelers with disabilities should know that accommodations will vary widely
between and within countries. The Department of Transportation can assist with
getting accommodations on airplanes (1-800-778-4838). Service animals such as
guide dogs are subject to quarantine regulations and may not be allowed to enter
some countries.
Next: What if I'm pregnant? »
- 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).
Latest Medical News
Travel Health RSS