Before you go
 1) Make sure your immunizations are up to date.
All travelers to countries other than Canada, Western Europe, Japan, Australia, and New Zealand, are advised to be immunized for Hepatitis A, a viral illness of the liver which is transmitted via food and water. Plan to have hepatitis A Vaccine two weeks or more before departure
Travelers should also receive updates of routine immunizations for flu, Varicella (chicken pox), tetanus / diphtheria and measles / mumps / rubella. Depending onthe type of travel, country you are traveling to, and length of your stay, you may also want to get vaccinated for rabies, typhoid, or Hepatitis B. Full immunization for Hepatitis B requires a series of 3 shots administered over a period of approximately 4-6 months. Says Dr. Marc Aversa, "One of the mistakes travelers sometimes make is not planning early enough for immunizations and medical consultation about their destination. It’s best to check with your doctor several months before your trip, especially if you’re traveling to a remote or third-world destination.”
2) Get your prescriptions refilled early
Contact your pharmacy at least a week before you leave so you’re not rushing to pick up a prescription at the last minute. If you need to get a refill from your doctor allow at least 48 hours to process the request.
3) Pack a personal first-aid kit
Bring your own first-aid basics with you when you travel. Make sure items are labeled in English and in the language of the country you are traveling to.
Your personal kit may include:
• Your chosen pain reliever and stomach remedy
• Band-Aids™
• antiseptic ointment,
• hand sanitizer
• moleskin for blisters,
• multi-vitamins and vitamin C.
• medication for diarrhea such as Pepto Bismol
• iodine pills for emergency water purification and anything else you routinely use that might be difficult to find abroad.
4) Check out health assistance resources (physicians and pharmacies) in your destination. A good site is The International Association for Medical Assistance to Travellers. www.iamat.org
5) Be sure to pack:
A spare pair of glasses, even if you generally wear contact lenses. Also take a copy of you prescription with you.
Sandals or aqua sox for protection from biting insects, soil parasites and poisonous plants on and near the beach.
When you’re there
Water precautions
You should consider all water and ice, including airline tap water, to be contaminated. It is a myth that alcoholic beverages eliminate infectious organisms present in water and ice.
The following beverages are considered safe to drink:
Beverages such as hot tea and coffee made with boiled water
Canned or bottled carbonated beverages including bottled water and soft drinks
(check plastic seal is unbroken)
Beer and wine
Food Safety
Avoid eating from roadside stands.
Make sure your food is well cooked and is still hot. Avoid salads, uncooked vegetables, milk and milk products. Fruit you peel yourself is safer than that which has been handled by others.
If you get Traveler’s Diarrhea
Taking antibiotics preventatively is not recommended. It is best to take diarrhea medicine with you as some medications for diarrhea sold in other countries can cause nerve damage. Avoid Clioquinol, Iodoquinol, Mexiform, and Intestopan.
Drink plenty of clear fluids and avoid alcohol, milk products, coffee, beans, corn, raw fruits and vegetables until stools are normal.
Mild diarrhea: (three or four unformed stools in one day) – Increase clear liquids. Flavored mineral water is a good source of water, sugar and salts. You may use Pepto Bismol - 2 tablets every ½ hr. for 8 doses. Limit aspirin use if taking Pepto Bismol as they both contain salicylates. Note: Pepto Bismol can cause black stools or black tongue temporarily.
Moderate to severe diarrhea (symptoms continue and you are feeling worse) May indicate you have bacterial diarrhea. Follow the advice for mild diarrhea and add bland foods such as toast, rice, bananas and applesauce.
Seek medical care if the condition does not resolve within 2 –3 days or if symptoms of dehydration develop. (Scant, very dark urine, lethargy and dry mouth and lack of tears in infants or small children.)
Syringes and Needles
Unsterile syringes and needles can transmit hepatitis B, AIDS, and other diseases. Avoid them if seeking medical or dental care. If possible, insist on oral medications.
Tropical Illness
Malaria, a parasite transmitted through bites from infected mosquitoes, exists in certain areas of Mexico as well as many other tropical areas and Africa. Depending on the location you are visiting, you may need to take a medication to prevent malaria. Your doctor will be able to determine your risk and write a prescription for you if needed. Note that malarial pills need to be started two weeks prior to the beginning of your trip and continued during your stay.
Dengue fever, a severe viral illness caused by the bite of infected mosquitoes, is present in Mexico. Use of an insect repellent containing “deet” is highly recommended.
Rabies
When visiting Mexico and much of Central America, rabies can be a problem. While traveling avoid any animal with fur. If you are bitten or get saliva on your skin, scrub the area immediately with plain soap and clean water for 10 min. If there is any break in the skin, obtain proper treatment immediately. Contact the American Consulate or Embassy for help. For long stays or very rural destination, pre-exposure vaccination may be recommended.
Insurance
Make sure your health insurance policy covers hospital and medical visits while you are away. Medicare does not cover medical care outside the US. Some facilities expect you to pre-pay in cash.
With some preparation and caution, you and your traveling companions can enjoy every minute of your vacation abroad.
Health Travel Resources
Check this comprehensive chart for required and recommended immunizations worldwide:
http://www.iamat.org/pdf/WorldImmunization.pdf
http://wwwn.cdc.gov/travel/contentVaccinations.aspx
International Association for Medical Assistance to Travellers.
For current international travel and health advisories, medical directories, consulates, approved products:
IAMAT-
www.iamat.org
Travel Health Online
Know before you go. Resources for preparing for your trip.
https://www.tripprep.com/scripts/main/default.asp
World Health Organization
Current information on health risks for travelers
http://www.who.int/ith/en/
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