Health & Travel

Here are some tips to keep you healthy as you travel away from home:

1. Be Informed

Four to 6 weeks before your trip find out what you need to know about staying healthy and safe in the area where you are traveling. Things to know about:

• disease and safety risks and how to avoid them
• special notices about disease outbreaks or other unsafe conditions
• what vaccinations (shots) or preventive medications (prophylaxis) you should or will be required to get

Important: some countries require you to show them a certificate that says you have had a yellow fever vaccination before you can enter. Only registered healthcare providers can give the yellow fever vaccine.

• Find out if you need a yellow fever vaccination
• Locate a certified yellow fever vaccination clinic

Check to make sure your health coverage is up to date. If your health insurance policy provides coverage outside the United States, remember to carry both your insurance policy identity card as proof of such insurance and a claim form. If your health insurance policy does not provide coverage outside of the United States, you may consider purchasing additional coverage.

2. Be Ready

If you will need any vaccinations (shots) or medicines, go to your healthcare provider 4 to 6 weeks before your trip. This will give your shots time to work so that you will be protected during your trip. If it is less than four weeks before you leave, you should still see your doctor. It might not be too late to get your shots or medications.

Prepare a traveler's health kit so you have all the medications and supplies you may need before you go.

3. Be Smart While You Travel

• Wash your hands often and well with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand rub to help kill germs, especially before eating! Drink only boiled or bottled water or soft drinks from sources you trust. Do not drink tap water, fountain drinks, or eat ice cubes.
• Only eat food that has been cooked all the way through or fruits and vegetables that have been washed and peeled. Remember: boil it, cook it, peel it, or forget it.
• If visiting an area where you might get malaria, make sure to take your malaria prevention medication before, during, and after your trip, as directed.
• If you might be bitten by insects (like mosquitoes or ticks) use insect repellent (bug spray) with up to 50% DEET. The label on the container will tell you the DEET content.

Protect yourself from motor vehicle injuries: avoid drinking and driving; wear your safety belt and place children in age-appropriate restraints in the back seat; follow the local customs and laws regarding pedestrian safety and vehicle speed; obey the rules of the road; and use helmets on bikes, motorcycles, and motor bikes. Avoid boarding an overloaded bus or mini-bus. Where possible, hire a local driver.