Know the risks in the countries you'll visit! 

Do you know which country recently had a diphtheria outbreak?   Do you know which countries require proof of yellow fever vaccine?  Are you aware that several countries regularly report cases of Polio?   Do you know which countries require AIDS testing?

We can be exposed to many new experiences when we visit another country and it is important to guard against any travel-related health or safety problems that may result.  Most of these can be avoided by planning ahead.

Preparing to travel overseas requires a lot of planning, but in the hustle and bustle of getting ready, most people forget one important area - health care.  With over 8 million people traveling worldwide, the potential for exposure is great and many countries have endemic (permanent risk) situations that many travelers aren't aware exist.

Preventative techniques, travel immunizations, and being informed are the best ways to keep yourself healthy while traveling.  This warrants a visit to your travel health consultant, who has updated information.  Medical information provided by other sources is often unreliable, including friends, travel agents and people who have traveled there
previously.

A pre-departure check should include appropriate medical records if indicated, adequate supplies of all medications which you routinely take (carried in the original labeled bottle), and immunizations.  Ideally, these need to be started 6 weeks prior to travel.

When traveling in parts of Africa and South America, required immunizations include Yellow Fever.  As recently reported by the U.S. Embassy, Cholera vaccinations may occasionally and without discernable pattern be required for travelers who have left the confines of the airport in Cholera-infected parts of that continent.

For documentation of your vaccine status, you will need an "Immunization Certificate of Vaccination," signed and dated when your vaccines are administered.  The certificate is recognized worldwide and if you do not have it, you may be denied entry to a country or even vaccinated on the spot!  This can be dangerous in many places.  Routine immunizations such as Diphtheria-Tetanus-Pertussis (DTP), Measles, Mumps, Rubella and Polio should be up-to-date.

Recommended immunizations such as Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Typhoid, Rabies, Polio and Meningitis could be advised by your travel health consultant depending on the countries you will be visiting, duration of stay and your health status.  Some vaccines are multiple doses, so set up an appointment for the next dose, or call when you return.

Other concerns, such as Malaria and Traveler's Diarrhea, can be identified by your consultant and appropriate medications prescribed, with specific directions for their use.

Equally important to the traveler is information on food and drink.  Most beverages made with boiled water, canned or bottled carbonated beverages, and beer and wine are safe.  Do not use ice cubes!  Bottled water should be consumed in all countries until it is established that the drinking water is safe.  Bottled water should be used to brush your teeth and carrying an extra toothbrush is an excellent idea.

Avoid foods such as uncooked vegetables and salads, raw or undercooked fish and meats, cold foods, unpasturized milk and milk products.

Sexually-transmitted diseases are a major concern.   Awareness and abstinence or at least prophylaxis are a must.  You should avoid acupuncture and tattoos, and even visiting a foreign medical facility, in some countries, can be detrimental to your health unless you are seriously ill and don't have a choice.

If you are pregnant or have other special medical conditions, you should have the approval of your doctor before traveling.

A major cause of death and injury in foreign countries are automobile accidents.  If you drive, be extremely cautious.  Observe all local laws and especially the speed limit.

Many countries share roads with various vehicles as well as animals and unless you are very familiar with the area, let someone else drive.   Always use seat belts and check to make sure they are intact.

Altitude illness, or acute-mountain sickness, typically occurs above 8,000 feet, but some people may experience symptoms as low as 5,000 feet.   Symptom of AMS, which usually appear within a few hours of ascent, may include headache, dizziness, fatigue, shortness or breath, loss of appetite, nausea or vomiting.   These symptoms , in addition to being unpleasant in themselves, may contribute to an accident at higher altitudes.

A person suffering from any of these symptoms should limit activity for a day or two before ascending further.  If symptoms should become worse during a day of rest, it is important to descend until you improve.

Additionally, to avoid jet lag, allow yourself time to rest once you have arrived at your destination.  Medications for jet lag have not yet been approved.

It is helpful to carry a "Crash Kit" containing over-the-counter medications such as Pepto-Bismol, Tylenol, Band-Aids, antibiotic ointment, antacids and other non-prescription medications.  Don't forget sunscreen, insect repellent with DEET and antibacterial wipes, and be sure clothing is appropriate for the climate.

Upon returning, if you have any unexplained, persistent or recurrent fever, diarrhea or skin sores, it is imperative you contact your travel health consultant.  Make sure he or she knows where you have been, even if it has been as long as six months since you returned.

Staying healthy while traveling is not difficult if you use a lot of common sense, some pre-travel planning and preparation with the help of a knowledgeable travel health consultant.  It's worth the time and effort on your part.

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