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.
This has a side benefit to the patient -- eliminating the number and types of testing you may undergo. There are some diseases with differing treatments that have very similar symptoms, so your doctor will want to know if you have malaria or potentially dengue fever.
The GeoSentinel Surveillance Network reported in 2013 that certain diseases were more prevalent in some countries than others. Travelers in sub-Saharan Africa were more likely to get malaria, while those in Southeast Asia who complained of a fever were more likely to have dengue fever.
How long you’ve been traveling is also key to determining whether you will get sick. Medical professionals stay abreast of outbreaks in certain regions and may be aware of clusters that have occurred in areas that you’ve visited.
Pre-Travel Immunizations
When heading out of the United States, it’s important to determine which vaccinations you may need. Different countries have different requirements and may not admit you if you can’t present proper documentation. For example, heading to sub-Saharan Africa will require that you immunize against yellow fever. Because some vaccinations require several doses and are administered over days or weeks, it’s important to determine your needs and plan accordingly before booking your arrangements, particularly because your body will also need some time to adapt to the preventive medications being administered.
A good rule of thumb is to allow at least a month before travel for the necessary vaccinations, so it’s wise to schedule your appointments at least six weeks before you head to the airport. Your destination and length of planned stay will determine what you need, but most countries will require that you present evidence of vaccinations for most early childhood diseases – measles, mumps, etc. – and such exotic diseases as yellow fever, typhoid, meningitis, rabies and Japanese B encephalitis. Talk to your doctor if you’re planning on traveling with a very young baby. Children of any age can contract malaria and some other diseases and may need to be immunized ahead of schedule.
Threats Beyond Disease
There are other travel issues that may cause health problems. One of the most common is extreme fatigue or so-called “jet lag.” This happens when you take a trip across several time zones, and your body needs to adjust to the new schedule.
Dehydration is another issue. While everyone gets thirsty, dehydration can bring about serious issues in small children and the elderly -- some of them potentially life-threatening if severe. Make sure everyone drinks at least one quart of water every couple of hours, and avoid diuretics like coffee, alcohol, tea and caffeinated beverages if possible – they tend to exacerbate dehydration.
Children may experience ear problems when the plane takes off and lands. Swallowing or yawning can help depressurize the ears, or older children can chew gum. Infants can nurse to relieve ear pain.
Of course, one of the biggest problems when visiting exotic locales is diarrhea. This comes from ingesting unfamiliar bacteria in the local food or water. This is particularly true for countries where sanitation and water treatment are not up to Western standards. It’s also caused by street food vendors who may not follow the rules of sanitation practiced by more formal and professional restaurants.
To prevent diarrhea, it’s wise to stick with bottled water, even while brushing your teeth. It’s also important to keep your mouth closed while showering or bathing, and make sure that only purified water is used for ice cubes or to mix with infant formula.
Remind your children to wash their hands frequently and to use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer. Fruits and vegetables should peeled, thoroughly cooked or otherwise treated before eating when in foreign countries. It’s also important to watch what you eat and stick to a nutritious diet. Protein is a great protection against diseases, but travelers tend to eat more carbohydrates and to eat on the run, thereby increasing their risk of diseases. It’s probably a good idea to supplement your overseas diet with a multi-vitamin during your stay and to memorize the local words for “well done” when ordering any protein.
Finally, keep in mind that regular rest is a great disease preventer. Although you’re on the go and probably overly stimulated by all the sights and sounds of your exotic locale, keep in mind that recharging the body with seven to eight hours of sleep for adults and nine to 10 hours of sleep for children is key to good health. Many illnesses can happen when you’re run down and tired, leaving you susceptible to bad practices and opportunistic infections.
Above all, enjoy your experience. Travel is a great educator, and the added mental health benefits of seeing something different from your normal life can’t be over-estimated. Just use common sense, and you’ll be able to have a happy and healthy trip without unnecessary distractions caused by illnesses.