Have A Safe And Healthy Trip

USA Today (Society for the Advancement of Education), May, 2001 by Katherine L. Baumgarten, Joseph R. Dalovisio

To ensure that you bring nothing home from your travels but souvenirs, watch what you eat and steer clear of bugs that bite.

WHEN PLANNING to travel abroad, most people prepare by purchasing plane tickets making hotel reservations, and booking rental cars. However, many do not consider or plan for the health hazards they may encounter. If you are going abroad and want to spend your time seeing the sights rather than looking for bathrooms or for local physicians, keep reading and see your doctor at least one or two months prior to departure.

The degree of risk you might encounter while traveling will, of course, depend upon your destination. Areas that are similar to the U.S. include Europe, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, and Hong Kong. Check to see when your passport expires, as well as whether or not a visa is required for your destination. Make an appointment for a physical and dental exam and be sure to bring your vaccination record with you. You need to be up to date on your routine vaccinations and may require additional shots, depending on the country where you will be going. Your physician can best determine which vaccines are appropriate for you.

Because pharmacies outside of the U.S. may carry strong and dangerous medicines that are available with no prescription, do not purchase or take any medications with out your physician's advice

Medication that you may want to bring with you depend on your anxiety, destination, state of health, and planned activities. If you have a chronic medical illness, you should carry a summary with details of that condition with you and extra prescription drugs. If you have a bee or wasp sting allergy, be sure to carry adrenalin pens. Remember also that the seasons are reversed south of the Equator, so you could need allergy medications out of your regular season. Nonprescription items that you may consider taking include aspirin or Tylenol for pain or fever, an antacid in case you should develop heartburn, an antibacterial ointment for minor skin abrasions or infections, sunburn remedies, and an antidiarrheal such as Imodium or Pepto Bismol. Cold and flu medicine is also a necessity, and consider bringing a first aid kit with Band-aids, a three-inch Ace bandage, and skin disinfectant,

Be aware of the climate and conditions that are present where you are going. Pack lightly. If you are going to mosquito-prone areas, you may need to take long-sleeve shirts and long pants, even if it is hot. A hat and rain-proof jacket may prove useful if the weather is uncooperative.

Miscellaneous items that may come in handy while away from home are soap, toilet tissue, personal hygiene products, and washcloths. Other articles that you might need include an electrical adaptor, sewing kit, nail clippers, scissors, a pocket knife, flashlight, and matches or a lighter.

Be sure to leave a copy of your itinerary with a responsible family member or friend and include information about your flight, locations, dates, and phone numbers. Determine if your current health insurance covers care outside of the U.S. Supplemental insurance may be necessary and can be purchased through your insurance agent, travel agent, or credit card company. Most of overseas health care providers require immediate payment, and you will have to seek reimbursement from insurance later. State Department services are available in case of unexpected situations such as police arrests, need for emergency funds, evacuation, or death.

Water is considered potentially contaminated if outside of North America, Europe, parts of Eurasia, Australia, New Zealand, or Japan. The water you consume needs to be purified or bottled if you are traveling outside of these areas, even for brushing teeth or making ice. Avoid eating foods that have been washed in local water. Carbonated beverages, beer, or wine may be safely consumed Boiling water for 20 minutes kills most infectious agents, and this is an acceptable alternative if there are no other options. Chemical disinfection with iodine tablets or drops is effective as well.

Traveler's diarrhea

Traveler's diarrhea or "Montezuma's revenge" is the most common illness that plagues tourists. The most important risk for developing diarrhea is your destination. High-risk areas include Latin America, Africa, Asia, and the Middle East. Of intermediate risk are southern Europe and parts of the Caribbean. The organisms that cause traveler's diarrhea are ingested from food and water that have been contaminated with fecal matter. Both cooked and uncooked foods may be sources if improperly handled.

Highest-risk foods include raw meat, seafood, and fruits and vegetables; salsa; and picante sauce. Of intermediate risk are tap water, ice, unpasteurized milk, and dairy products. Safe products include bottled and carbonated beverages, beer and wine, liquor without ice, hot tea and coffee, bottled and treated water, food which is served steaming hot, and raw fruit that you have peeled yourself. Prevention may be difficult, but can be effective. One option to try to avoid traveler's diarrhea is to take two tablespoons of Pepto Bismol four times a day.