Patient information: General travel advice (Beyond the Basics)
- Peter F Weller, MD, FACP
Peter F Weller, MD, FACP
- Editor-in-Chief — Infectious Diseases
- Section Editor — Tropical Medicine
- William Bosworth Castle Professor of Medicine
- Harvard Medical School
- Professor of Immunology and Infectious Diseases
- Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health
TRAVEL AND HEALTH OVERVIEW
More individuals are traveling internationally now than ever before. International travel can lead to wonderful new experiences and lasting memories. Unfortunately, travel can also lead to health problems that range in severity from unpleasant to life threatening.
Travel-related health problems arise from a variety of factors, including exposure to infectious organisms, the use of certain types of transportation, and participation in certain activities, such as diving and high-altitude hiking during travel. Travel-related health problems can also arise when a preexisting medical condition worsens during travel.
Fortunately, most travel-related health problems can be prevented with a combination of pre-travel planning, immunizations, and safety precautions during travel. If you are planning travel outside of your home country, consult your healthcare provider at least one month prior to traveling. The provider can give immunizations, travel medications, and tips for staying healthy during the trip, or may recommend a specialized travel medicine provider for some or all of these immunizations, medications, and advice.
A general overview of advice related to travel and health will be reviewed here. Immunizations for travel are discussed separately. (See "Patient information: Vaccines for travel (The Basics)".)
Individuals planning international travel should visit their healthcare provider and/or specialized travel medicine clinic. The visit provides an opportunity to discuss the specific details of travel. This information is necessary to formulate individualized travel-related medical advice:
●Duration of travel
●Season of travel
●Countries and regions that will be visited
●Planned activities during travel
●Place of residence during travel (for example, a modern hotel, rural home, campground)
There is a tool available through Massachusetts General Hospital that lets you enter your age and where you plan to travel, then provides tips including a checklist of things to do before, during, and after your trip. The information is based on recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). To use this tool, go to http://gten.travel/trhip/trhip.
TRAVEL-RELATED MEDICAL ADVICE
Once a clinician has assessed your travel plans and overall health, he or she can provide information about the health risks that could be encountered and can give advice for minimizing these risks.
Vaccines — Vaccines recommended for travel are discussed in detail in a separate topic review. (See "Patient information: Vaccines for travel (The Basics)".)
Food and water precautions — Several infections can be acquired by ingesting contaminated food and water, including infectious diarrhea (travelers' diarrhea), hepatitis A, typhoid fever, and, less commonly, trichinellosis. (See "Patient information: Food poisoning (foodborne illness) (Beyond the Basics)".)
In areas where sanitation and personal hygiene are poor, food and water precautions are essential for reducing the risk of these infections. These precautions will be most effective when they are used on a daily basis.
Tap water that looks safe to drink can carry infection-causing organisms, but boiling the water for three minutes, followed by cooling, can kill these organisms. Alternatively, a number of filtration devices or chemical disinfection agents (eg, iodine or chlorine tablets) can be used.
Travelers can reduce the risk of infection by using the following precautions:
●Do not drink or brush the teeth with unboiled tap water
●Do not drink beverages that contain ice made from unboiled tap water
●Drink only boiled tap water, drinks made from boiled tap water, carbonated beverages, beer, and wine
●Be wary of locally bottled water, because safety and bottling conditions might not be adequate. Other drinks are probably safer.
Food can also contain infection-causing organisms. Reduce the risk of infection by following several food precautions:
●Do not eat unpeeled fruit. Peel any fruit yourself before eating it.
●Do not eat raw vegetables
●Do not eat or drink unpasteurized ("raw") dairy products
●Do not eat raw or rare meat, fish, or shellfish (including ceviche)
Insect and tick bites — In certain areas of the world, insects (mosquitoes, flies, fleas, bugs, and lice) and arthropods (ticks and mites) can transmit a number of potentially serious infections, including malaria.
Before you leave, you should buy insect repellants to bring with you. The best ones are DEET, permethrin, and picaridin; sporting and camping goods stores often sell these products.
You can lower your risk of infection by following these precautions every day while you are traveling:
●Whenever possible, avoid insect-infested and tick/mite-infested areas
●Wear protective clothing, including long-sleeved shirts and pants; if you can, treat your clothing with permethrin
●Use insect and tick/mite repellents that contain DEET or picaridin
●Use mosquito netting over your bed; treat the netting with permethrin
●Check your skin regularly and remove any insects or ticks/mites
●Whenever possible, minimize time spent outdoors after dark
Malaria prevention — Malaria is a serious infection that is spread by the bite of an infected mosquito. The above suggestions can reduce the risk of being bitten. Antimalaria medications are also recommended to people who travel to certain areas. These medications should be taken exactly as prescribed, starting before traveling to affected areas and continuing for up to four weeks after returning. The dosage and schedule depends upon which antimalarial medication is used.
Infection-causing organisms — Open water, soil, and sand can harbor infection-causing organisms in some areas of the world.
In countries where schistosomiasis (a water-borne parasitic infection) is common, travelers should avoid swimming in fresh water. Even brief exposure to infested water (for example, during rafting) can result in infection. In contrast, swimming in salt water or chlorinated water in these countries is safe.
When you are traveling, don't walk barefoot on soil or sand that could be contaminated with dog or human feces. This can lead to hookworm or strongyloidiasis infections (worms that can penetrate the skin and cause itching, stomach symptoms, and other problems).
Sexually transmitted diseases — Studies of travelers' behaviors indicate that many people are more sexually active during travels. The hepatitis B virus, the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV, the virus that causes AIDS), as well as more common infections, such as gonorrhea, chlamydia, and syphilis, are all transmitted by sexual contact, and are often more prevalent in developing countries.
Avoiding sexual contact eliminates the risk of acquiring sexually transmitted disease during travel. Use of barrier methods, such as a latex condom or diaphragm, reduces the risk of disease transmission, although they do not eliminate the risk. (See "Patient information: Hepatitis B (Beyond the Basics)" and "Patient information: Symptoms of HIV infection (Beyond the Basics)".)
Personal medications — Medications available in the United States may not be available in other countries. Therefore, travelers who must take medication regularly should bring enough medication with them for the duration of their trip. Medications should be taken on the plane in a purse or other carry-on bag, rather than packed in luggage, to avoid loss or theft. Travelers who require syringes to administer medication should carry those syringes along with a letter from a healthcare provider documenting a medical need for the syringes.
Avoiding accidents — Accidents, especially motor vehicle accidents, account for about 25 percent of deaths in American travelers. The risk of accidents, injury, and death may be reduced by taking several precautions:
●Avoid driving at night, which can minimize exposure to alcohol-impaired drivers
●Familiarize yourself with the local driving conditions
●Wear a seat belt at all times
●Avoid drinking alcoholic beverages and driving
●If using motorized cycles, wear helmets and be especially cautious
Tuberculosis testing — Travelers who are planning travel to regions where tuberculosis (TB) is common may be advised to have a test for tuberculosis before and after their trip. (See "Patient information: Tuberculosis (Beyond the Basics)".)
Anyone who is exposed to or becomes infected with tuberculosis will need treatment if testing is positive. The risk is higher for traveling healthcare workers compared with other types of travelers. The risk of tuberculosis exposure may be reduced by avoiding close contact with people who are coughing or sneezing, although this is not always possible.
Travel-related health problems can be related to the type of transportation used during travel.
Ships — The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) inspects all cruise ships that dock at ports in the United States. This ensures that ships meet strict sanitation guidelines. Information about the past record of a specific cruise ship can be obtained from travel agents, state health departments, or the CDC (www.cdc.gov/travel/cruiships.htm).
Air travel — Air travel can be associated with several problems.
Lower-oxygen environment — Aircraft that fly at low altitudes may not pressurize the cabin. Jet aircraft that fly at higher altitudes pressurize the cabin, although the pressure is less than that on the ground. Under both conditions, the air in the cabin contains less oxygen than the air on the ground, which reduces the amount of oxygen in the blood.
Exposure to a lower-oxygen environment can lead to problems in people with certain medical conditions, including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and some heart conditions. A patient may feel short of breath, which could require the use of supplemental oxygen. (See "Patient information: Supplemental oxygen on commercial airlines (Beyond the Basics)".)
A lower-oxygen environment can also be a problem for people who experience a heart attack while abroad. Such individuals can usually make a return flight home two to three weeks after the heart attack, as long as a healthcare provider accompanies them.
Ear and sinus symptoms — The change in air pressure during flight may cause ear and sinus symptoms, especially for travelers with upper respiratory tract infections. These symptoms may include difficulty hearing and pain in the ears or sinuses. In most individuals, the symptoms can be prevented by taking an oral (pseudoephedrine) or nasal (oxymetazoline) spray, decongestants, or antihistamines (diphenhydramine).
Blood clots — Sitting for prolonged periods during air travel causes blood to pool in the legs, which can increase the risk of forming blood clots in the legs, especially in individuals who have clotting or vein disorders. People with these conditions may be advised to take certain medications, to stretch frequently, and/or to wear compression stockings during long flights to reduce the risk of blood clots. (See "Patient information: Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) (Beyond the Basics)".)
All travelers should consider the following recommendations for flights longer than six to eight hours (table 1).
Motion sickness — Individuals who suffer with motion sickness can take a medication before a flight (or before sailing if on a cruise ship) to prevent this condition. Over-the-counter drugs work for most individuals; a clinician can recommend a prescription-strength medication if needed.
Jet lag — Travelers who cross several time zones may experience jet lag. In general, it takes longer to recover from jet lag after flying west to east than east to west. Adult travelers crossing five or more time zones are likely to benefit from melatonin, especially if they have experienced jet lag on previous journeys. It is also reasonable for people making such a journey for the first time to take melatonin, if jet lag might seriously interfere with work or leisure activities at their destination. Travelers crossing two to four time zones may also try melatonin.
The recommended dose of melatonin is 2 or 3 mg about 30 minutes before bedtime on the day of travel and for up to four days after arrival; a dose of 0.5 mg has less effect on sleep but can help the person to adapt to the new time zone. A test dose taken at home before travel may help determine which dose is most appropriate. Alcohol should be avoided with melatonin.
TRAVELING WITH MEDICAL CONDITIONS
Additional travel considerations are necessary for pregnant women, people with HIV infection, and people with diabetes. More information about traveling with a medical condition is available on the CDC Web site.
Pregnant women — Most women can travel safely during pregnancy, although the type of travel and possible health hazards must be considered on an individual basis. Air travel does not have any known negative effects on a pregnant woman or the baby. Women who have had complicated pregnancies in the past (premature delivery, late-term miscarriage, high blood pressure, or other complications) should avoid extensive travel during their current pregnancy. In addition, pregnant women should be sure to follow precautions to avoid blood clots since pregnancy increases the risk of clotting. (See 'Blood clots' above.)
Pregnant women may not be able to receive certain immunizations and antibiotics. Pregnant women who travel to regions where malaria is common need to understand that exposure to malaria increases her and her baby's risk of complications. Not all antimalarial medications have been studied to determine their safety in pregnancy. Expert advice about the wisdom of traveling in regions where malaria is present, the safety of various antimalarial drugs, and the risks of malaria in pregnancy should be considered prior to travel. (See "Patient information: Avoiding infections in pregnancy (Beyond the Basics)".)
HIV infection — HIV infection can pose several problems during travel.
●People with HIV may not be allowed to enter some countries; check with consular offices when planning international travel. In addition, people with HIV should try to locate adequate medical facilities in the planned destinations.
●People with HIV will not be able to receive certain travel immunizations. HIV-infected travelers should carry all necessary medications with them.
Diabetes — Travelers with diabetes who take insulin should seek expert advice on modifying timing of insulin doses if traveling over many time zones.
Syringes, blood glucose testing supplies, insulin and glucagon or oral medications, and snacks should be packed in a carry-on bag and available at all times. People who require syringes should carry a note from their healthcare provider, explaining the need for diabetes-related supplies. In addition, the person should wear a necklace or bracelet that lists their medical condition and a phone number to locate additional emergency contact information.
A few activities have specific recommendations to ensure the safety of the traveler during and after the activity.
Scuba diving — Individuals who scuba dive while traveling should wait 12 to 48 hours (depending on the length of dives) before boarding a jet airplane. This measure is important for avoiding decompression sickness (also called "the bends").
High-altitude exposure — Individuals who will be traveling to mountainous or other high-altitude regions should talk with their healthcare provider about preventing and treating high-altitude illnesses. These illnesses include mountain sickness, high-altitude pulmonary edema, and high-altitude cerebral edema. (See "Patient information: High altitude illness (including mountain sickness) (Beyond the Basics)".)
Wilderness travel — Individuals who plan travel to remote areas that lack medical facilities should discuss precautionary measures with their clinician, especially if they will be exposed to extreme climates or exercise-related stress (for example, mountain climbing or long-distance bicycle tours).
Anyone who experiences symptoms of fever, diarrhea, or rash following their return from international travel should consult their healthcare provider immediately.
WHERE TO GET MORE INFORMATION
Your healthcare provider is the best source of information for questions and concerns related to your medical problem.
This article will be updated as needed on our web site (www.uptodate.com/patients). Related topics for patients, as well as selected articles written for healthcare professionals, are also available. Some of the most relevant are listed below.
Patient level information — UpToDate offers two types of patient education materials.
The Basics — The Basics patient education pieces answer the four or five key questions a patient might have about a given condition. These articles are best for patients who want a general overview and who prefer short, easy-to-read materials.
Patient information: Staying healthy when you travel (The Basics)
Patient information: Avoiding infections in pregnancy (The Basics)
Patient information: Hepatitis A (The Basics)
Patient information: Vaccines for travel (The Basics)
Patient information: Dengue fever (The Basics)
Patient information: Leptospirosis (The Basics)
Patient information: Travelers’ diarrhea (The Basics)
Patient information: Activity during pregnancy (The Basics)
Patient information: Malaria (The Basics)
Patient information: Typhoid fever (The Basics)
Patient information: E. coli diarrhea (The Basics)
Patient information: Jet lag (The Basics)
Beyond the Basics — Beyond the Basics patient education pieces are longer, more sophisticated, and more detailed. These articles are best for patients who want in-depth information and are comfortable with some medical jargon.
Patient information: Food poisoning (foodborne illness) (Beyond the Basics)
Patient information: Hepatitis B (Beyond the Basics)
Patient information: Symptoms of HIV infection (Beyond the Basics)
Patient information: Tuberculosis (Beyond the Basics)
Patient information: Supplemental oxygen on commercial airlines (Beyond the Basics)
Patient information: Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) (Beyond the Basics)
Patient information: Avoiding infections in pregnancy (Beyond the Basics)
Patient information: High altitude illness (including mountain sickness) (Beyond the Basics)
Professional level information — Professional level articles are designed to keep doctors and other health professionals up-to-date on the latest medical findings. These articles are thorough, long, and complex, and they contain multiple references to the research on which they are based. Professional level articles are best for people who are comfortable with a lot of medical terminology and who want to read the same materials their doctors are reading.
Potential health hazards in travelers to Australia, New Zealand, and the southwestern Pacific (Oceania)
Clinical manifestations of malaria in nonpregnant adults and children
Diseases potentially acquired by travel to Latin America and the Caribbean
Diseases potentially acquired by travel to Southeast Asia
Diseases potentially acquired by travel to North Africa
Diseases potentially acquired by travel to Central Africa
Diseases potentially acquired by travel to East Africa
Diseases potentially acquired by travel to West Africa
Diseases potentially acquired by travel to Southern Africa
Malaria in endemic areas: Epidemiology, prevention, and control
Immunizations for travel
Evaluation and management of coral snakebites
Pathogenesis of malaria
Prevention of malaria infection in travelers
Snakebites worldwide: Clinical manifestations and diagnosis
Rabies immune globulin and vaccine
Travelers' diarrhea: Microbiology, epidemiology, and prevention
Travelers' diarrhea: Clinical manifestations, diagnosis, and treatment
The following organizations also provide reliable health information:
●Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) travel page
Toll-free: (800) 232-4636
●World Health Organization page on international travel and health
●National Library of Medicine
●Infectious Diseases Society of America
●American Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene - clinical consultative service in Tropical Medicine, Medical Parasitology and Travelers' Health
- Hill DR. The burden of illness in international travelers. N Engl J Med 2006; 354:115.
- Hill DR, Ericsson CD, Pearson RD, et al. The practice of travel medicine: guidelines by the Infectious Diseases Society of America. Clin Infect Dis 2006; 43:1499.
- Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Update: Prevention of hepatitis A after exposure to hepatitis A virus and in international travelers. Updated recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP). MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep 2007; 56:1080.
- http://www.who.int/ihr/en/ (Accessed on February 16, 2012).
All topics are updated as new information becomes available. Our peer review process typically takes one to six weeks depending on the issue.