Travel Tips

Consider the following tips before you begin your journey:

Before you see the world, be sure you see your travel health specialist.

Check your health insurance for international and evacuation coverage.

Twinrix is a great way to be vaccinated against both Hepatitis A and B at the same time.

Meningitis vaccine is recommended for travelers to parts of Africa and Saudi Arabia.

Leaving in less than one month? You can still receive Hepatitis A and B immunizations in an accelerated schedule.

Raw fruits and veggies? Cook it, boil it, peel it or forget it!

To repel insects use a spray with at least 30% DEET and apply permetherin to clothing.

Take an extra pair of eyeglasses or contact lenses.

Minimize the effects of jet lag by altering your sleep habits one week prior to departure.

Planning for healthy travel is as important as planning your itinerary.

Dry air on an airplane causes dehydration. Drink plenty of water!

Wear loose fitting, light colored clothing made of natural fabrics to help your body remain cool.

For long plane flights, inseat exercises will help prevent cramping and blood clots.

Pack a first aid kit: tape, bandages, antibiotic ointment, aspirin, tweezers, small scissors, elastic bandages and a thermometer.

Take enough medications in their original containers to last a week longer than your planned travel time.

Unpasteurized milk and dairy products may contain tuberculosis (TB) and other harmful bacteria.

Make extra copies of your passport! Keep one in your luggage and leave one back home.

Don’t consume foods and beverages from street vendors.

Wear a medical alert bracelet for medical conditions such as diabetes or drug allergies.

Remember, rabies is deadly and not all rabid animals behave ferociously, some become docile.

Have a cell phone with international capability.

Malaria, dengue fever, Japanese encephalitis and yellow fever are all mosquitobourne.

Remember the Flu F.A.C.T.S. F: Fever spike (to 103°) A: Aches, C: Chills, T: Tiredness, S: Sudden onset of symptoms.

The influenza virus can survive for up to 2 days on hard surfaces such as doorknobs and telephones.

Altitude sickness can be caused by rapid ascent to altitudes over 9,000 feet.

Beware of bottled water without a seal. The cap should snap when opened, or it could be refilled with tap water.

Immunizations aren’t just for kids. Immunize here. Be safe there.