Necessary Health Details before an Overseas Excursion

One area a good many travelers fail to address prior to overseas travel is health considerations. Health is just as important as the itinerary or schedule you plan on following overseas. The reason it is so essential is that by visiting far off locales you are at a significantly increased risk of acquiring health problems particularly in areas and environments very different from what you are accustomed to. Further, medical services in a good many parts of the world can prove costly and can possibly bankrupt a traveler almost overnight.

First you will want to attain immunizations relevant to your destination. You can find out this information by way of the Internet. Access the CDC site in order to review the vaccinations necessary for each country you plan to visit. The site is also helpful in that it provides warnings and precautionary measures to take within the respective country in order that you may enjoy a safe and healthful trip. The web address is cdc.gov/travel.

Secondly, when it comes time to brush your teeth do so using water that is bottled. This is important due to the fact local supplies of water may carry some form of disease that is contagious for travelers however of no health consequence to the regular residents. If bottled water cannot be found then boil the tap water for at least one minute. Let the water cool down to around the temperature of the inside environment. This should kill any disease bearing bacteria.

Third, peel your vegetables and fruit. The local variety of foods similar to the tap water can cause the foreign visitor illness. Again, simply peel skin from any vegetables and fruit you eat during your visit. Also some health agencies advise you not to eat vegetables or fruits from local markets or vendors. Always eat food that has been cooked fully.

Fourth, bring along additional prescriptions in case you leave your prescription somewhere or you are not able to locate it for whatever reason. The worst possible scenario in many vacationers' minds is running out of medications while on holiday. Come prepared by bringing along medication greater in number than the days of your stay.

Fifth, pack a first aid kit. The kit may include medication for motion sickness, digestive disturbances or what is pertinent to your travel destination. You might also want to include a decongestant. The kit you can carry on your person may include antibiotic cream, alcohol wipes, latex gloves, moleskin in case of blisters from walking, and traditional band aids.

Sixth, take the time necessary and wisely invest in some travel insurance. Since you aren't a fortune teller having adequate insurance to cover emergencies such as medical evacuation, trip cancellations due to specific events and other unplanned incidents is enormously reassuring.

Seventh, do not swim in natural lakes or ponds when overseas. Certainly it is safe enough to take a dip or do a few laps in chlorinated waters as well as the ocean, however do not risk it in waters that are quieter. It isn't wise to swim in rivers either. The same types of bacteria issues as there are in drinking the local water are inclusive with respect to ponds, lakes and rivers.

Eighth, take care not to get bitten by mosquitoes while traveling overseas. In this regard it is best to bring along mosquito repellent containing twenty to fifty percent DEET for children over two months as well as adults. Another way to stay protected from mosquitoes is to wear shirts and blouses with long sleeves and slacks or trousers. Before wearing your clothes it isn't a half-bad idea to spray your wearing apparel with mosquito spray. If it is necessary you wear sunscreen then apply the sunscreen prior to the repellent. Naturally prior to retiring for the night, make certain you wash the repellent off. If you wear the repellent you can keep mosquitoes and fleas at bay.

Further, the mosquitoes in certain regions that are responsible for the transmittal of Malaria are likely to engage you during the wee morning hours just as the sun comes up rather than when it is setting. The mosquitoes during daylight hours are responsible for another brand of illness. Mosquito infestation is relative to what area of the world you are visiting; however, the measures are best adhered to regardless especially if you are visiting within foreign sub-tropical regions.

Ninth, in the event an illness or injury a number of locations offer assistance. MEDEX is a favorable organization as well as the American Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene. You can also seek assistance from the International Society of Travel Medicine. In order to become informed about each organization it is suggested you visit their respective websites prior to your travels. By properly preparing for worst case health scenarios, should the worst happen you will know what to do. Generally, proper preparation allows the traveler peace of mind to enjoy a safe and healthful trip.