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Take measures to avoid becoming a travel victim
Travel problems depend on a person's current health condition, the method of travel and the activities planned. Luckily, there are quick and easy measures that can help prevent or overcome many of these health risks. This is why “travel medicine” is very important.
Wear a mask to protect against swine flu
Travelers must consider the route, the length of the trip, the purpose and the cleanliness of their accommodations and foods to understand the risks involved with their travel plans. Precautionary measures against swine flu are very important. It is critical to frequently wash hands, wear masks in countries where the disease is prevalent and contact a doctor in advance if you are going to be around people who may be infected. The elderly, pregnant women, children, the physically disabled and people with health problems are more at risk for catching an illness.
Watch out for travelers’ diarrhea
Travelers' diarrhea is the most common illness affecting travelers. Common symptoms include loose stool, fever, nausea, vomiting and abdominal cramping. The best way to avoid travelers' diarrhea is by sticking to regular eating habits and avoiding new foods. Choose foods that are packaged, labeled and contain familiar ingredients. Raw fruits and vegetables may not be clean due to environmental pollution. Salads, raw vegetables, unpasteurized milk, cheese, half-cooked meat, sauces, water, ice (especially made from tap water) and food sold by street vendors are all risky and could lead to food poisoning.
Sleep with a mosquito net if there are flies
Malaria, transmitted by anopheles mosquitoes, is the most life-threatening infection many travelers face. Malaria, which causes a high fever, can only be prevented, not cured. Take proactive measures against malaria: use insect repellents with DEET, beds containing permethrin and mosquito nets. To the extent possible, wear clothes that cover most of your body and stay in well-ventilated rooms. In short, consider all risks related to traveling before leaving home. Once the risks are identified, the method of travel, the location, the length and potential problems on the way back should be considered as well. Discuss practical measures of prevention with travelers and travelers' families. Prepare a traveler's kit containing the necessary medications and equipment to minimize the risk of catching an illness as much as possible.
Vaccines reduce risks
Saudi Arabia requires all visitors to Mecca to be vaccinated against meningococcal meningitis. The hepatitis A vaccine is recommended for people who will travel to places with poor hygiene and sanitation and is most effective when administered between two and four weeks before traveling. The tetanus vaccine is needed every 10 years. The flu vaccine should be taken yearly before the start of the flu season. The pneumococcal vaccine is recommended for people who are at risk and those who are 65 years of age or older and should be administered every 10 years. The hepatitis B vaccine is delivered in three doses. The typhoid vaccine is recommended for people who will be staying in regions where typhoid fever is common for more than one month. For people who will be traveling to parts of the world where polio is found and who have had three or more doses of the oral polio vaccine in the past, a one-dose booster shot is recommended. The rabies vaccine is recommended for people at an occupational risk for rabies or those who travel to areas where rabies is found.
*Dr. Pınar Kepekçi
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