Plan ahead for healthy travels
Published at | Updated at
This story is brought to you by Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center, the largest medical facility in the region, serving Idaho, Wyoming, Yellowstone National Park and Montana. With a Level II Trauma Center, Level I ICU and the state’s only burn center, EIRMC provides valued and vital resources to the communities it serves.
As winter hits, many people travel to other locales to find sunshine and warmer weather. If you’re hitting the road (skies or sea!) this winter, visit a physician certified in travel health to avoid health hazards associated with travel.
Dr. Joyce Sanchez is an infectious disease physician with East Falls Infectious Disease. She covers four topics with patients during travel health appointments.
1: Vaccines
“We discuss travel-specific vaccines in addition to routine vaccines. People don’t always think about the importance of keeping up to date on common vaccines we get here in the United States. But even places like Western Europe still have outbreaks of diseases like measles, which is vaccine preventable. For travel to less well-developed areas, such as sub-Saharan Africa, Southeast Asia, and South and Central America, I recommend an appointment four to six weeks before leaving the country. By then, there is sufficient time for vaccines to take effect.”
2: Medications
Naturally, that includes medications the patient is routinely taking, to ensure they do not run out while away from home. Just as important, however, are medications that can be taken to prevent diseases that are common in developing countries.
“Malaria, for instance, is very common in certain countries. While we don’t have a vaccine commercially available to prevent malaria yet, we have oral medications that can be taken preemptively. Someone who takes them and is bitten by an infected mosquito won’t get sick with malaria. Along with medications, we also talk about tick and mosquito bite prevention measures.”
3: Foodborne and waterborne illnesses
“Many countries do not have the sanitation standards that we are fortunate to have. It’s really important to find out what is safe to eat and drink and what is not. Hepatitis A, which is highly contagious virus and very common in developing countries, is a food- and waterborne illness. However, there is a vaccine to prevent hepatitis A. If someone is up-to-date on the vaccine series, they are highly protected.”
4: General safety and health precautions
“We talk about motor vehicle and boat safety (including motion sickness); how to mitigate jet lag and avoid the risk of blood clots during long flights; what to do if there is a medical emergency, any questions on travel or medical evacuation insurance; what to do if bit by an animal. Some topics are more relevant to certain travelers, such as those on safari or high-altitude treks, for instance. But all travelers benefit when they plan for the unexpected.”
Of course, both domestic and international travelers should practice good personal hygiene habits.
“Any time we travel, it seems like someone comes down with a cold. A simple way to avoid this is proper hand hygiene. For those times when you can’t wash your hands, carry a small bottle of hand sanitizer. It’s easy and effective.”
What about that very touchy subject of wearing masks? It’s still something to consider when traveling in close quarters with lots of strangers, such as on a plane, bus, or subway.
“And if you have symptoms while traveling, wearing a mask is a good idea,” suggests Dr. Sanchez. “Even though few places still require masks, keep one handy in case someone near you is coughing and sneezing. It’s never fun to get sick on vacation.”
To set an appointment with Dr. Joyce Sanchez at East Falls Infectious Disease, call (208) 535-4475.