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Carry
any prescription medication with you — do
not pack it in your checked luggage. Remember
that some countries require a written "proof
of need" for prescription medicine
travelers bring with them. Discuss prescription
medication requirements with your travel
medicine specialist. |
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If
you grew up overseas and you are going
back to visit friends or family, do not
assume you are still immune to the common
infections in your country of origin. Immunity
to many diseases (such as malaria) fades
over time. Talk to a travel medicine specialist
about your particular needs. |
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Pay
close attention to Centers for Disease
Control warnings for specific health issues
in various countries. These can be found
at http://www.cdc.gov/travel/yb/index.htm |
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Rabies:
Rabies is found on almost every continent,
but certain areas including most of Asia
and Africa show very high incidence of
the disease, especially in dogs. Whether
at home or abroad, you should never approach
an unfamiliar animal, wild or domesticated.
Before leaving on a trip to another country,
consult a travel medicine specialist — you
may need the rabies vaccine as a precaution,
depending on your destination. Rabies in
humans is not always fatal, but not all
countries have the vaccine available for
administration after a bite has occurred. |
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Severe
Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS): Cases
of SARS have been reported in the U.S.
and Europe, mostly in travelers returning
from SARS-affected areas. There is no preventive
treatment for SARS. The CDC recommends
frequent hand washing and avoidance of
crowded areas in SARS-affected regions. The
CDC's SARS site also lists travel advisories
and alerts that are updated continually.
- SARS travel advisories recommend
against travel to the area listed
- SARS travel alerts inform people
that a SARS risk may exist in the area,
though no change in travel plans is
recommended.
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Symptoms
for some diseases, such as malaria, may
not develop for several months after infection.
It is important to report any recent travel
history to your doctor if you get sick
within the first year after a trip. |
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Tetanus:
Make sure your tetanus vaccine is current.
Tetanus bacteria are found in soil all
over the world and can enter your body
even through minor wounds that do not require
medical attention. In fact, according to
the CDC, in recent years there has been
an increase in cases of tetanus acquired
through minor wounds, probably because
the major wounds are cared for correctly.
Clean all wounds, including minor cuts,
immediately when they occur. A tetanus
booster is needed once every 10 years. |
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