When planning a trip, whether on business, as a vacation or for study purposes – you should always think beyond your passport, air tickets, phrase books, guides and other similar items. You must also think about your health when travelling.
Travel precautions
- Before your trip when planning your route, you must check:
- Weather conditions at your destination
- Outbreaks of contagious diseases
- Local cuisine, in order to avoid food allergies, for example:
- Sanitation conditions
- Main local customs
The best way for travelers to protect themselves against diseases is through vaccines. Another great hint is to keep your health up-to-date with annual check-ups, particularly executives who may be sent to many different parts of the world at extremely short notice. It is always good to have a trusted physician who can tell you about the special precautions needed in certain regions.
During your trip
Watching your food intake is crucial: avoid eating items whose provenance is doubtful, always drink bottled water and avoid excesses. Overeating and heavy drinking should be avoided, not only to preserve your health, but also your physical integrity, in addition to respecting local customs. Depending on your destination, you should watch out for symptoms such as fevers once you get home. If you visited a location where malaria is common, any fever requires special attention up to a year after your return. Travelers must also avoid:
- Mosquitoes in tropical regions
- Stray animals, such as dogs
- Eating street food
- Over-indulging in alcoholic beverages
- Swimming off beaches or in lakes with danger signs
Countries with epidemics
Epidemics and outbreaks of some diseases are matters of concern for infectologists and visitors. For example: there was an outbreak of measles in Germany while it hosted the Soccer World Cup in 2006. Visitors who were uncertain of whether or not they had been vaccinated against measles were advised to take this vaccine before leaving home.
Another epidemic that made the headlines for several weeks was the wave of avian influenza (commonly called bird flu) that swept through Asia. Since this disease first appeared in 2003, 258 people have been infected so far, with 154 deaths. The medical recommendation for this situation was to avoid places where poultry was being reared, in addition to taking the influenza vaccine, although it is not particularly effective for dealing with this specific problem.
When outbreaks or epidemics occur, the best option is to postpone the trip or select another destination, if possible. However, if this is not feasible, prevention is the best solution.
MALARIA
Transmitted by mosquitoes and sometimes fatal, this is one of the most serious global health problems, with some 300 to 500 million new cases each year worldwide. High-Risk Regions
- Africa: except Libya and Tunisia
- Central America, including Haiti and the Dominican Republic
- South America: except Uruguay and Chile
- Asia: except Mongolia and Kazakhstan
- Eastern Europe
- South Pacific
Prevention
- As no vaccine has yet been developed. the best solution is to avoid contact with mosquitoes and slather on insect repellent, in addition to taking preventive medications in some cases. Check with your doctor for the most appropriate steps.
YELLOW FEVER
Transmitted by mosquitoes, this disease may progress to hemorrhagic fever and severe hepatitis. Found only in forestlands and wilderness areas, no urban cases have been recorded in Brazil for more than fifty years. High Risk Regions
- South America: Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Guiana, French Guiana, Paraguay, Peru, Suriname and Venezuela
- Central America: Panama, Trinidad and Tobago
- Africa: Sub-Saharan region
Prevention
- Take the vaccine ten days before you travel*
- Avoid contact with mosquitoes * Some countries require vaccination certificates before allowing visitors to enter the country.
MENINGITIS
Caused by virus, bacteria, fungus and protozoa that attack the central nervous system, the most feared types are bacterial, especially meningococcal. This disease may be fatal if not detected early and treated promptly. High Risk Regions
- Africa: Sub-Saharan region and some countries such as Angola, Congo and Somalia, which have posted recent epidemic and outbreaks.
Prevention
- Take anti-meningococcal vaccine.
TYPHOID FEVER
Transmitted by bacteria through contaminated food or water and directly associated with areas lacking basic sanitation. Worldwide, there are an estimated 22 million cases of this disease each year. Regions with epidemics:
- Indian Subcontinent
- Asia
- Africa
- Caribbean
- Central America
- South America
Prevention
- Avoid raw food and water of unknown provenance. Avoid eating cold or pre-cooked foods.
- There is a vaccine, indicated for specific cases
- Always wash your hands
- Pay close attention to cutlery, glasses and cups
HEPATITIS A
Acquired through contact with contaminated water and foods. Regions with high chances of infection:
- Central America
- South America
- Asia
- Europe
Prevention
- Take the specific vaccine for this type of hepatitis
- Drink bottled mineral water
- Avoid raw foods of unknown provenance
- Always wash your hands
- Pay close attention to cutlery, glasses and cups
HEPATITIS B
Disease transmitted through contact with infected blood and body fluids. The main form of transmission is sexual. In some cases this may develop into chronic hepatitis, leading to cirrhosis and liver cancer. The risk of travelers catching hepatitis B is generally low, except where sexual contact takes place, or infected blood. The recommendation is to avoid intercourse without condoms. Prevention
- Take the vaccine
- Opt for safe sex
AVIAN INFLUENZA
Disease transmitted by a virus that infects poultry. Highly lethal, it spreads rapidly through contact between diseased birds and human beings. It grew into an epidemic in Asia in 2003. It is worthwhile recalling that there is no reason for panic, as humans cannot infect each other, and only people in contact with birds are affected. Regions with epidemics
Regions with cases of the disease
Prevention
- Avoid contact with birds
- Do not eat poultry or related products whose provenance is unknown
- Take influenza vaccine – which does not provide 100% protection in this case
