Medical Alerts Before You Start Your Travel

1. Check your immunization record
2. Take enough prescription medication for the time you will be gone.
3. Medical alert bracelet, if needed.
4. Carry extra glasses or contacts and equipment.
5. Check your health insurance for international travel or out of network coverage.

Health Precautions

Sun Burn

1. Avoid direct sunlight between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.
2. Use sunscreen with a SPF of 15 or greater.
3. Apply sunscreen 30 minutes before going out and after swimming or excessive sweating.
4. Wear sunglasses, a hat or other protective clothing when possible.
5. If you are on medication, check its potential adverse interaction with the sun.

Health Precautions

Motion Sickness

1. In a car, the best place to be is the driver’s seat. Second best is the front window seat.
2. On a bus, sit near the front by a window, preferably one that opens..
3. On a plane, wheels are the most stable place.
4. On a boat, try to get a mid-ship cabin close to the waterline.
5. There are over the counter medications available to relieve motion sickness. Most should be taken at least half an hour before leaving.

Health Precautions

Insects

1. Limit outdoor activities between dusk and dawn. (Dengue fever, however, is transmitted by day-biting mosquitoes, primarily in urban areas
2. Wear good insect repellent containing DEET.
3. Reapply insect repellent after swimming or excessive sweating.
4. Wear protective clothing such as long sleeve and pants whenever practical
5. Sleep in well-screened areas.
6. You can still develop malaria after you leave the endemic area. You must continue with the prescribed medication for four weeks after leaving Malaria areas.

Health Precautions

water

1. Dont swim in fresh water.
2. It is common for lakes, rivers and streams to be infected by parasitic larvae..
3. These parasites are capable of penetrating the unbroken skin of humans causing serious illness in some cases.
4. Don’t swim, wade or walk in slow moving fresh water lakes, rivers, or streams where these parasites are known to occur.
5. If this contact is unavoidable, towel dry quickly to prevent the parasite from penetrating the skin.

Health Precautions

Stomach Problems

1. Up to 50 percent of travelers contract diarrhea during their trip. The most common reason is contaminated food and water.
2. Consume only canned or commercially bottled carbonated drinks.
3. Avoid ice cubes that are not made from purified water.
4. Filtration alone is not recommended.
5. Brushing teeth should also be done with purified water. If it’s not available, use hot tap water.
6. Ensure all food is well cooked – especially meat and seafood.
7. Don’t eat leftovers, food from street vendors, or unpasteurized dairy products.
8. Never eat raw shellfish.
9. Avoid cold cuts, salads, watermelon and puddings.
10. Don’t eat canned food if the tin appears “blown” or “swollen.”
11. Eat only fruits and vegetables that you properly wash and peel yourself.
12. Cook or bake fruits and vegetables that can’t be peeled or washed.

Health Precautions

What can I do if I get diarrhea ?

1. Drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration.
2. Drink clear broth or eat salted crackers to compensate for loss of salt.
3. Avoid milk products.
4. If you have bloody stools, seek medical attention.
5. Take over the counter medication for diarrhea.