Getting ready for a dream vacation, study abroad program, volunteer trip or international work assignment? Planning ahead, especially when heading overseas, can go a long way in making your trip as smooth, safe and enjoyable as possible.
International travel comes with its own set of health risks, depending on where you visit. For instance, up to 79 percent of travelers to developing countries experience a health issue during their trip, such as diarrhea, respiratory infections, or rashes.
Common problems like foodborne illness, mosquito-borne infections or altitude sickness are often preventable with the right precautions, such as vaccines, travel medications and simple safety strategies. With some thoughtful preparation, you can minimize your risk and enjoy your trip with greater peace of mind.
Why Travel Health Planning Is So Important
If you live in the U.S., not all countries have the same sanitation, food safety or access to healthcare that you’re used to at home. Even things like drinking water, eating local produce, insect exposure or taking unfamiliar medications can lead to illnesses or injuries while you’re traveling abroad.
It’s important to plan at least 4-6 weeks before your departure to make sure you have all the vaccines and medications you might need. For example, some countries require proof of vaccination for entry, so don’t wait until the last minute.
Preparing in advance for a trip also gives your body time to build immunity from vaccines, which can take 2 weeks or more, depending on the type. Additionally, it allows you to gather any necessary prescriptions or documents that you might need.
Common Travel Health Risks to Be Aware Of
Here’s a closer look at some of the most frequent travel-related health risks and how to prepare for them:
Travelers’ Diarrhea
This is the most common illness affecting international travelers, especially in developing countries. It affects up to 70 percent of travelers, particularly those visiting Asia, the Middle East, Africa and Latin America.
Causes: Often caused by consuming contaminated food or water that contains bacteria like E. coli, parasites or viruses.
Prevention tips: Avoid tap water, ice and street food. Eat only fruits you can peel, and make sure all meat is cooked thoroughly. Packing over the counter anti-diarrheal medications to manage symptoms or having an antibiotic on hand for treatment of severe travelers’ diarrhea may be recommended in high-risk areas.
Mosquito-Borne Diseases (Malaria, Dengue, Chikungunya, Zika)
These illnesses are prevalent in tropical and subtropical regions and can lead to serious complications if left untreated, such as high fever, severe headaches and muscle pain. They’re most common in:
- Malaria: Sub-Saharan Africa, parts of Asia and the Amazon region.
- Dengue and chikungunya: Central and South America, Southeast Asia, Africa, the Caribbean and the Pacific Islands.
Prevention tips: Use insect repellent with DEET or picaridin, wear long sleeves and pants, pre-treat clothing with permethrin, sleep under mosquito nets, and take preventive malaria medication when prescribed.
Vaccine-Preventable Illnesses (Hepatitis A, Typhoid, Yellow Fever, etc.)
These diseases can be serious, but are largely preventable with vaccines. They occur most often in:
- Hepatitis A: Common in areas with poor sanitation, including parts of Asia, Africa, Central and South America.
- Typhoid: Endemic in South Asia, Africa and Latin America.
- Yellow Fever: Found in parts of Africa and South America.
Prevention tips: Visit a travel clinic at least 4-6 weeks before your trip to be sure you’re up to date on vaccines. Some countries may require proof of Yellow Fever vaccination for entry.
Altitude Sickness, Jet Lag and Blood Clots (Deep Vein Thrombosis)
Physical stress from travel can take a toll, especially at high altitudes or on long flights. Altitude sickness can affect travelers at elevations above 8,000 feet, common in destinations like Peru, Nepal or parts of Colorado. Symptoms include headaches, nausea and fatigue.
Jet lag worsens when crossing multiple time zones and can take several days to resolve.
Blood clots (DVTs) can develop on long flights (4+ hours), especially for those with risk factors like recent surgery, pregnancy, or hormone therapy.
Prevention tips: Stay hydrated, move your legs frequently during flights, consider compression socks and talk to your doctor if you’re at high risk.
Food or Water Contamination
Even a single sip of contaminated water or a bite of undercooked food can cause illness abroad, or lead to more serious problems like bacterial infections, hepatitis A or parasitic infections.
High-risk regions include developing countries where sanitation and food safety regulations are limited.
Prevention tips: Drink bottled or purified water, avoid raw seafood or undercooked meat, avoid salads and uncooked produce, and use caution when eating from local markets or vendors.
Injuries and Accidents Overseas
Road traffic injuries are the leading cause of non-natural deaths for U.S. travelers in foreign countries due to various factors, including lack of familiarity with roads, poor road and vehicle condition and consumption of alcohol or other substances.
Adventure activities can be fun but also risky, especially where emergency medical services are limited. Common activities during which injuries can occur include hiking, climbing, rafting, motorbiking and diving. Risks can include falls, sprains, broken bones or infections from untreated wounds.
These types of accidents may have worse outcomes in rural or undeveloped regions with limited access to hospitals or medical professionals.
Prevention tips: Use proper gear, avoid solo excursions and consider travel insurance that includes emergency evacuation services. Bring a small travel health kit with medications, antiseptics, band-aids and electrolyte packs, and know where the nearest hospital or clinic is in case of an emergency.
The Role of Vaccines in Safe Travel
Vaccines are one of the most powerful tools in preventing illnesses while traveling. Some are required for entry into certain countries, while others are simply recommended to protect you from potentially dangerous diseases.
Depending on your destination, you might need vaccines before traveling to protect against illnesses including:
- Yellow Fever
- Typhoid
- Hepatitis A and B
- Meningitis
- Japanese Encephalitis
- Rabies
- Polio
In addition to getting destination-specific vaccines, don’t forget to stay up to date on routine immunizations, including:
- Flu
- MMR (measles, mumps, rubella)
- Tetanus, Diphtheria and Pertussis (Tdap)
- COVID-19 and RSV (if applicable)
- Pneumonia
Travel Smarter with Stony Brook’s Travel Medicine Clinic
To help you prepare, Stony Brook Medicine offers a Travel Medicine & Adult Vaccinations Clinic that provides everything you need in one place, tailored to your destination, itinerary and personal medical needs.
Services include:
- Pre-travel counseling with travel health specialists
- Vaccinations specific to your destination (routine and rare)
- Medication prescriptions for malaria prevention, travelers’ diarrhea treatment, altitude illness and motion sickness
- Self-care and safety tips for handling health issues abroad
Stony Brook’s Travel Medicine & Adult Vaccinations Clinic is also an authorized Yellow Fever vaccination center and carries vaccines not always available through primary care providers and pharmacies.
Book your appointment at least 1-2 months before departure and bring your full itinerary and vaccination records. Learn more or schedule your visit here.
