A Physician’s Tips for Preparing for Long-Distance Travel

By: Memorial Hermann The Woodlands Medical Center | Published: 05/30/2024

Traveling can be a joyful experience, but falling ill during your trip can ruin your plans. Dr. Nabeel Nazir, D.O., provides essential tips to stay healthy while traveling, especially abroad or on extended trips.

Before Your Trip:

• Check Online Resources:
  • Visit the CDC and WHO websites for comprehensive health advisories on Zika, West Nile, diphtheria, yellow fever, typhoid, and malaria.
  • These sites offer detailed information on current outbreaks and preventive measures for various destinations.
  • Review any travel notices or warnings to stay updated on potential health risks.
• Get Required Shots:
  • To get necessary vaccinations, schedule an appointment with your primary care doctor or a travel medicine specialist at least one month before departure.
  • Some countries require an International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis (yellow card) for entry.
  • Doctors can prescribe medications for diseases like malaria, which must be taken before and during travel.
• Review Safety Information:
  • Check the U.S. Department of State website for advisories related to crime and safety in your destination.
  • Register with the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive safety alerts and updates from the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate.
  • This program helps you stay connected during emergencies like natural disasters or medical crises.
• Health Check:
  • Ensure any chronic conditions, like diabetes or hypertension, are well-controlled before traveling.
  • Confirm that your flu, tetanus, and COVID-19 vaccines are current.
  • Make sure you have enough medication for the entire trip, and consider obtaining extra medicines with your health insurer’s approval if necessary.
• Insurance:
  • Verify your health insurance coverage abroad to understand what is covered in case of illness or injury.
  • Consider purchasing additional travel insurance that covers medical care and emergency evacuation.
  • Websites like Squaremouth.com, HTH Worldwide, and Travelex offer options for comprehensive travel insurance plans.

What to Pack:

• Essential Medicines:
  • Pack all necessary medications in their original bottles with labels in your carry-on bag to ensure they are always accessible.
  • Bring an ample supply to cover any potential delays or extended stays.
• First Aid Kit:
  • Include antiseptic wipes, bandages, sterile dressings, pain relievers (acetaminophen or ibuprofen), cold and flu medicine, antihistamines, and topical adhesives.
  • Consider additional items like saline spray, burn gel, water purification tablets, hydrocortisone cream, and tools for removing splinters and ticks.
• Special Items:
  • People with diabetes should carry glucose packets or hard candies for low blood sugar episodes.
  • Individuals with food allergies should pack epinephrine pens.
  • Those with heart conditions may need nitroglycerin tabs as prescribed by their doctor.
• Motion Sickness Remedies:
  • Consider skin patches prescribed by your doctor, which can last up to three days.
  • Over-the-counter options like Dramamine® or Bonine® can also be effective.
• Insect Protection:
  • If traveling to areas with high incidences of diseases like West Nile, malaria, or Zika virus, pack DDT insect spray.

While En Route:

• Use Masks and Sanitizers:
  • Wear masks in crowded places and on public transportation to reduce the risk of catching contagious diseases.
  • Use hand sanitizer frequently, especially after touching high-contact surfaces like doorknobs and railings.
• Avoid DVT:
  • Wear compression socks and walk around during flights to prevent deep vein thrombosis (DVT), which can lead to potentially fatal pulmonary embolisms.
  • Stay hydrated and avoid alcohol to reduce the risk of blood clots.
• Reduce Jet Lag:
  • Try to sleep on overnight flights to adjust to your destination’s time zone.
  • Consider using melatonin supplements to help regulate your sleep cycle.
  • Limit caffeine intake in the evening and stay hydrated to ease jet lag’s effects.

General Safety:

• Avoid Unsafe Water:
  • In regions where tap water may be unsafe, use bottled water for drinking and brushing your teeth.
  • Avoid ice in drinks and be cautious with food, ensuring that meats and fish are well-cooked and fruits and vegetables are properly washed or peeled.
• Be Cautious with Food:
  • Avoid street food that might need to be adequately cleaned or refrigerated.
  • Your doctor may prescribe antibiotics to treat travelers’ diarrhea, and daily probiotics can also be beneficial.
• Weather Preparedness:
  • Stay hydrated, eat frequently, and wear long sleeves and pants to avoid bug bites and sunburn.
  • Use sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher.
  • In polluted or densely populated areas, wearing a mask may be advisable.

By following these tips, you can ensure a healthy and enjoyable travel experience.