If there’s one thing that the COVID-19 pandemic has been good at demonstrating, that’s just how easily diseases can travel using the modern transportation system. While it’s super convenient that I can hop on a plane and be halfway around the world tomorrow…so can all the germs that hitchhike along with me! (See the blog post: Germs on the Road: Travelling and Infectious Disease) Staying healthy while travelling has always been an important consideration…and now it’s even more critical that every traveller be prepared and safe.
Center for Disease Control’s Traveler’s Health website
My favorite resource for up to date, reliable information regarding travel health recommendations is the Center for Disease Control’s Traveler’s Health website. This site contains a wealth of information including pre-travel vaccine recommendations, common health issues you might encounter in particular areas, information on disease outbreaks, etc.
Using the website is relatively straightforward. The homepage highlights general travel health guidelines and top health notices worldwide. Once you choose your destination, the website will detail information particular to the location you’re travelling to. There is both a general overview (Traveler View) as well as a more detailed breakdown (Clinician View). The Traveler View mostly focuses on pre-travel health recommendations as well as tips on packing and safety measures during your trip. The Clinician View contains an additional list of common diseases encountered in the location.
Vaccine recommendations
Some vaccines are considered ‘core’ vaccines are recommended for everyone. Other vaccine recommendations are dependent on an individual person’s situation and health.
The CDC’s website breaks vaccines down into three categories: those that are recommended for all travellers to a particular location, those that are recommended for most travellers, and those that are recommended for some travellers depending on their situation. For example, if you were taking a trip to Cuba, the CDC would recommend that everyone have their routine vaccines (tetanus, measles, etc.)…most people should consider a typhoid vaccine…and that only those individuals that would have high risk (such as those planning on spending time in caves/rock climbing or veterinarians working with local animals) need a rabies vaccine.
One vaccine that some people may not be familiar with is the Yellow Fever vaccination. Thankfully, Yellow Fever has been eradicated from the United States for some time. However, this is not the case in every country in the world…and some countries require proof of vaccination for Yellow Fever prior to be allowed to enter. These vaccines are available only through specific providers and you will be issued documentation once you are vaccinated.
Medication recommendations
One of the most commonly recommended travel medications is anti-malarial drugs. If you are travelling to an area with a high incidence of malaria, you may want to consider taking medication to help prevent infection during your travels. The CDC website includes information on areas where anti-malarial medication is recommended.
Other recommended travel medications may include treatment for diarrhea or other common travel illnesses if medical care is not readily available in a particular area.
COVID-19 travel info
Testing and vaccination requirements for travel in the time of COVID are a constantly (and rapidly) changing situation. The CDC has dedicated a specific site to COVID-19 travel information where you can find up to date travel restrictions, testing requirements, and vaccine information.
Where to find more information
All travel health decisions should be made in partnership with your regular medical health professional. To be an active partner in your own health, it’s a good idea to become familiar with the recommendations prior to your visit (and consider printing out the guidelines and taking them with you).
In addition, there are travel specific health clinics which can be helpful in deciding what steps you need to take in protecting your health during your travels. Particularly for locations with complicated or extensive recommendations.
