Have health guide, will travel

Going far way on a summer holiday? Here’s something to take with you: International Travel and Health, a new guide for international travellers that puts together the World Health Organization’s global network of medical information and sets the gold standard in health advice for travellers.

"This book contains vital advice for all travellers, from business executives flying in and out of a capital city to independent adventurers or humanitarian aid workers visiting more remote parts of a country," says Dr. David Heymann, executive director in charge of communicable diseases at WHO.

For the travel bug, sky’s no limit. Thus, there’s a chapter devoted to air travel and its effects on health. Recently, stories were flying thick and fast about the risk of developing deep-vein thrombosis (DVT) after a long-haul flight. Ever noticed your feet swelling that you have a hard time putting your shoes back on after taking them off during an 18-hour plane ride, for instance? Experts say the supply of oxygen in the cabin of the aircraft, the expansion of gases within the body, low relative humidity in aircraft cabins, and prolonged immobility lead to potential circulatory problems.

The book profiles more than 30 infectious diseases that travellers may be at risk of getting exposed to as well as the preventive measures that should be taken. According to WHO, "The riskto travellers has increased in recent years due to the spread of diseases to new areas, the appearance of entirely new diseases, and the emergence of drug resistance. Moreover, changes in the pattern of international travel are bringing more visitors to remote areas where the risk of catching diseases is higher."

But then again, while infectious diseases are a major cause of ill health among travellers, statistics show that traffic accidents and drowning are responsible for the largest number of deaths while travelling abroad. They say you’re more likely to be run over by a car than to be afflicted with the plague or the Ebola virus.

Leaving your familiar home environment where you feel relatively safe and secure may upset your state of equilibrium as you encounter, for instance, changes in altitude, humidity, temperature, etc., aggravated by the stress and fatigue of travelling that can lead to ill health. Thus, WHO advises that you plan ahead, take the appropriate preventive measures and precautions.

To begin with, destinations where accommodation is sub-standard, hygiene and sanitation are inadequate, medical services/facilities do not exist and clean water (beware of contaminated ice, too) is unavailable pose serious health risks to travellers. Add to that, the exposure to insects, rodents or other animals, infectious agents and contaminated food particularly if you’re travelling to remote areas.

A basic medical kit to lug along should contain the following first-aid items: adhesive tape, antiseptic wound cleanser, bandages, emollient eye drops, insect repellent, insect bite treatment, nasal decongestant, oral rehydration salts, scissors and safety pins, simple analgesic (like paracetamol), sterile dressing, and clinical thermometer. According to destination and individual needs, additional items could consist of: antidiarrheal medication, antifungal powder, antimalarial medication, condoms, medication for any pre-existing condition, sedatives, sterile syringes and needles, water disinfectant, among other things.

It is recommended that prescription medicine be carried along with a medical prescription signed by a physician (some countries also require the national health department to sign this certificate). These medicines should be handcarried to minimize any risk of loss during the trip. Also, carry a duplicate supply in the checked-in luggage in case you lose your handcarry.

If you’re travelling to a remote area where toilet paper is unheard of, make sure you bring your own toilet items. This kit could include items for dental care, eye care like contact lens cleaner, skin care and personal hygiene.

Travel-related health risks are greater for certain groups of travellers like infants and young children, pregnant women, the elderly and the physically-challenged as well as those with pre-existing health problems.

For instance, infants and young children have special needs with regard to vaccinations and antimalarial precautions. They are more sensitive to ultraviolet radiation and become dehydrated more easily than adults. Air travel can cause discomfort to infants due to changes in cabin air pressure. Children are more sensitive to sudden changes in altitude and they’re also more susceptible to many infectious diseases.

Airlines impose some travel restrictions in late pregnancy (but there have been babies born on board aircraft). Travel is not generally bad for pregnant women until close to their expected date of delivery, provided the pregnancy is uncomplicated. But travel to high altitudes or to remote areas is not advisable during pregnancy.

Of course, people suffering from chronic illnesses should seek medical advice before planning a trip. There are conditions whose risks increase during travel, like: cardiovascular disorders, chronic hepatitis, chronic inflammatory bowel diseases, chronic renal disease requiring dialysis, chronic respiratory diseases, diabetes mellitus, epilepsy, immunosuppression due to medication or to HIV infection, previous thromboembolic disease, severe anemia, severe mental disorders, any chronic condition requiring frequent medical intervention. Travellers suffering from a chronic disease and those who experience an illness (particularly if fever, persistent diarrhea, vomiting, jaundice, urinary disorders, or skin disease occur) should see a doctor on their return.

Have a happy – and safe – trip!