The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report that 22 to 64 percent of travelers to developing countries may experience health problems. Although a lot of the issues are pretty simple – diarrhea from the food or water, illness picked up from the exhaustion of long-haul travel, and/or proximity to someone already ill – there can be more serious problems.
It is estimated that 8 percent of travelers may need to seek medical attention because of travel-related illnesses, and some of the problems can manifest months or years after infection.
That’s why it’s important to be aware of what can happen during your travels so that you’ll be armed with a solution to your problem before it becomes a major issue. Some diseases can be life-threatening if not given prompt attention, and some illnesses with severe symptoms like bleeding may need medical intervention.
Honesty Is a Good Policy
Most medical professionals are aware of the risks that traveling can bring. That’s why they will ask detailed questions about where you’ve been and what you’ve done during your travels. This is no time to be shy, particularly if you’ve engaged in sexual contact or drug ingestion. Diagnosing and treating a problem begins with understanding its origins, so absolute honesty is very important.