10 Tips for Healthy Travel
A Brief Guideline to the Health Issues and Cultural Codes of Traveling from the International Society of Travel Medicine
Cultural, hygienic, and ethical differences often pose challenges to travelers whether travelers are traveling within their own country or across the ocean.
Taking precautionary measures to avoid health problems - gastrointestinal disorders and infections, for example - are important but do not cover all the challenges that may occur on trips. Beyond health issues, it is important for travelers to educate themselves about other crucial information regarding their destinations in order to avoid unintentional conflicts or disrespect for the people of the host countries.
Over the years, tourism has brought millions of much needed revenue to economically-challenged countries. While contributing to these countries' economy, tourists have, unfortunately, often brought and acquired diseases and have used and abused valuable resources such as water and electricity. And because of the building of resorts and time-share condominiums, local residents have often found that tourism takes away much of the affordable land, causing housing costs to rise to levels out-of-reach for many local residents.
Please promote healthy travel by distributing these suggestions to travelers as they are printed below. You can also secure the information on an attractive, 7 x 20 cm (3 inch x 8 inch) firm yellow card that makes for a handy bookmark, especially appropriate for use when reading travel guides. And as an added bonus, the flip side of the card has the 7 Tips for Responsible Travel. A supply of cards is also available from the ISTM office. One hundred cards will be sent free of charge to any member requesting them. There will be a small charge for orders of more than 100 cards. Click here to order.
Before Trip
Seek consultation with a travel medicine specialist at least one month before travel.
Ask about special vaccines that are recommended for specific destinations.
First aid and medical kit containing regular and special medication for the trip - carry in hand luggage.
Evacuation and travel insurance to cover health emergencies while abroad.
During Trip
Take Precautions against malaria when you visit area risk. Prevent mosquito bites and take malaria pills as advised
Road safety is important - wear safety belt in cars, helmet on bikes and avoid night time driving.
Abstain from casual sex or practice safe sex with condoms to prevent HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases.
Verify and consume safe water and food. Have a supply of medicine for self treatment of diarrhea.
Exessive sun exposure should be minimized by use of sunscreen. Sun can be more intense over water, snow and at altitude.
Leave animals alone. Animal bites or scratches can transmit rabies. Seek help if bitten.
If fever develops during or after trip, seek competent medical help immediately
Have a safe travel!