400 million international trips are taken annually. The health problems faced by travelers are considerable and varied. These depend on the countries visited and the lifestyle adopted by the traveler. There is evidence that many travelers are receiving inaccurate pre-departure advice. Travelers to North America, Europe and Australasia are usually at no greater risk of getting an infectious disease than they would be at home. However, those visiting the less developed tropical and subtropical countries of Africa, Central and South America and South East Asia are at significant risk of contracting infectious diseases.
Problems range in complexity from the non life-threatening traveler's diarrhea to potentially fatal diseases like malaria, brain infections and AIDS. In some politically unstable countries, there are the added risks of injury, imprisonment and being left stranded. Travel means transport. There is thus the possibility of accidents resulting in serious injury and expensive medical fees. Travel insurance is therefore as important as preventive health measures.
The main diseases facing the international traveler are traveler's diarrhea (relatively mild) and especially the potentially fatal drug resistant malaria. Traveler's diarrhea is a special problem in Central and South America, Central Africa and the Indian subcontinent. Drug resistant malaria occurs in South East Asia, northern South America and parts of Africa.
Infections transmitted by mosquitoes include malaria, yellow fever, Rift Valley Fever, Japanese Encephalitis and dengue fever. Preventing their bites is excellent prevention.
Here is a check list of pre-travel health care:
Plan early- at least eight weeks beforehand.
Have a dental check.
Have a medical check.
Postpone visits if not feeling well.
See your doctor and the local health authority for advice on vaccinations and health conditions and facilities in the countries to be visited.
Bring your own personal, simple first aid kits.
Bring a summary of important medical records.
Bring adequate supplies of essential drugs e.g. drugs for diabetes, high blood pressure, hormone replacement, etc.
Here is some advice on the prevention of traveler's diarrhea. This is spread by contaminated food and water.
Purify all water by boiling for 10 minutes. If boiling is not possible, purifying chlorine tablets or iodine tincture will help.
Do not use ice.
Avoid fresh salads or raw vegetables.
Avoid diary products such as milk, cream, ice-cream and cheese.
Avoid eating raw shellfish and cold cooked meats.
Avoid food from street vendors.
Drink hot liquids whenever possible.
Use disposable hand towels for hand washing.
The golden rule is : If you can’t peel, boil or cook it-don’t eat it.
Malaria can be prevented by following two simple rules.
Avoid mosquito bites.
Take anti malarial medicines regularly.
In order to avoid mosquito bites, travelers are advised to:
Keep away from rural areas after dusk.
Sleep in air-conditioned or properly screened rooms.
Use insecticide sprays to kill any mosquitoes in the room or use mosquito coils at night.
Smear an insect repellent on exposed parts of the body.
Use mosquito nets (tuck under mattress, check for tears)
Impregnate nets with permethrin (Ambush) which repels mosquitoes.
Wear sufficient light-colored clothing, long sleeves and long trousers, to protect whole body, arms and legs when in the open after sunset.
Avoid using perfumes, cologne and after shave lotion (also attract insects)
Get protection from many types of infection through immunization. Immunization can be divided into three groups : (a) compulsory, where evidence of vaccination is a prerequisite for entry into a country; (b) commonly recommended; (c) sometimes recommended.
All travelers should be immunized against diphtheria, measles, polio and tetanus. Protection against tetanus requires an initial course of three injections followed by a booster every 10 years.
Vaccinations are required for special circumstances. Yellow fever vaccination is a legal requirement for any traveler returning from yellow fever infected area. A cholera vaccination is not usually required. Some travelers may be exposed to tuberculosis, hepatitis, plague, rabies, typhoid, typhus and brain infection. Smallpox has now been eradicated from the world. Its vaccination is therefore no longer required for any traveler.
Two very important problems to be aware of are the avoidance of sexually transmitted diseases, e.g. AIDS and drug addiction. The penalty for carrying drugs may be death.
A returned traveler should go for a medical check up if anything suspected e.g. prolonged fever, diarrhea, and tiredness, cough or skin rashes.
Travelers with pre existing medical conditions, pregnant mothers and children need special precautions. More information on jet lag, travel sickness and altitude illness can be obtained from the relevant sources.
By proper planning and exercising well informed, sensible behavior, you can make your holiday a fun-filled and educational experience.
Do not be a travel agent for viruses and exotic infections!
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