Health Precautions for Travelers
The number of tourists to developing countries is growing annually. Along with exploration of new ways of living, such trips can threaten your health at a significant extent. Thus, a number of precautions should be taken by travelers who are going to embark on prolonged vacations and visit developing or tropical countries.
The first step in preparing for travel to a developing nation should become a visit to the doctor. Since your primary care physician may be unaware of medical trends in foreign countries, a local travel clinic may be especially helpful. Travelers to developing countries should have a complete check-up at least 8 to 10 weeks before the trip. They should obtain a summary of their medical histories to take with them, including a list of drug allergies. They should also prepare a list of medications they normally use, specifying all trade and generic names and dosages. In addition, the doctor should provide a letter authorizing any necessary medications to facilitate customs and security checks.
As far as vaccinations and other preventive medicine for travelers are concerned, travelers to developing countries should make sure their recommended routine vaccinations are up to date. Booster shots may be required even if travelers to developing nations have completed the initial series. Vaccinations may include polio, meningitis, measles, chicken pox, yellow fever, meningitis, polio, typhoid, cholera, Japanese encephalitis, rabies, diphtheria, and pertussis (Tdap).
Upper respiratory infections are very widespread after foreign travel. When traveling to any country during flu season, the influenza vaccine may be recommended, especially for the elderly and people at risk for serious illness.
Skin tests should be performed before traveling to areas with tuberculosis (TB) outbreaks; those with negative tests should have a repeat test 2 to 4 months after they return.
All travelers to developing countries and countries with a high prevalence of hepatitis B are highly recommended to be vaccinated against hepatitis A and B. The hepatitis B vaccination is especially important if you expect to have close or sexual contact with the local population.
Travelers to countries with malaria should take preventive drugs.
First aid supplies which may come in handy to each traveler include sunblock, topical disinfectants, bandage materials, insect repellent, thermometer, antifungal foot powder, hydrocortisone cream for rashes, Imodium for diarrhea, water filtering or water purifying supplies, nonprescription pain reliever.
Travelers also should check if their health insurance company offers any coverage abroad and if not, take care about individual health insurance policies for international travelers.