السفر الصحي (Healthy travel)

Travel Health

 

(Public Health)

This page provides answers to your questions about travel health.

 

What is Travel Health?

Travel health refers to taking the necessary precautions and measures to maintain a traveler’s health and reduce the risk of illness during the trip. While travel can be an enjoyable experience, it may also involve health risks, especially in certain countries.

 

Why is Travel Health Important?

Travel health is important for several reasons related to ensuring the traveler’s safety and a comfortable and safe journey. Travel can increase the risk of acquiring illnesses such as infectious diseases that may be common in some regions, in addition to food poisoning or diarrhea caused by contaminated water—particularly in developing countries. Long trips can also cause health problems such as deep vein thrombosis (DVT) due to prolonged immobility, or disrupted sleep patterns that may affect physical and mental health—like increased stress or worsening of pre-existing conditions such as epilepsy or migraines. Therefore, physical and psychological preparation before traveling helps reduce risks and promotes safety, contributing to a more enjoyable experience.

• Common TravelAHealth Risks:
• Many health risks mayJet Lagarise during travel, including:
• Contracting infectious diseases such as Hepatitis A, Typhoid, Rabies, Meningitis, Tuberculosis, Japanese Encephalitis, and Yellow Fever.
• Jet lag, which affects sleep and digestion.
• Ear pain during airplane takeoff and landing.
• Motion sickness, causing nausea and dizziness while traveling by vehicle.
• Traveler’s diarrhea due to consuming contaminated food or water.

 

Diseases from insect bites, such as Malaria and Yellow Fever.

Dehydration, especially during long flights.

• Health Preparations Before Traveling:
• Travel preparation requires early planning and attention to health needs, including:
• Visiting a doctor 4–8 weeks before travel to discuss your destination and activities for tailored advice.
• Receiving the recommended vaccinations for your destination.
• Consulting about preventive medications if traveling to malaria-risk areas.
• Packing a first-aid kit, prescription medications, and over-the-counter items (pain relievers, anti-diarrheals, insect repellent, allergy medication).
• Bringing hand sanitizer, sunscreen, and water purification tablets.

 

Researching health risks at your destination.

Packing personal comfort items (pillow, pillowcase, light blanket).

• How to PreventATravel-Related Health Risks:B).
• Preventive tips include:
• Ensuring you are up to date with destination-specific vaccines (e.g., Yellow Fever, Hepatitis A & B).
• Washing hands regularly with soap and water for 20 seconds, or using alcohol-based hand sanitizer (60%) when soap is unavailable.
• Avoiding contact with sick individuals or animals.
• Maintaining a 3–6 feet (1–1.8 meters) distance from anyone coughing or sneezing.
• Preventing insect bites by using repellent and wearing long clothing.
• Drinking only bottled or boiled water.
• Avoiding raw foodsSPFor street food.
• Washing or peeling fruits and vegetables before eating.
• Using sunscreen with SPF 15 or higher.
• Wearing hats and sunglasses.
• Avoiding contact with wild or domestic animals to prevent bites or infections.

 

Staying hydrated.

• Adjusting your sleep schedule before your trip.
• Tips for Keeping Children Healthy During Travel:
• Wash children’s hands regularly with soap and water or hand sanitizer.
• Clean toys and personal items frequently used by children.
• Offer healthy meals and bottled water to prevent food- or waterborne illnesses.
• Dress children appropriately for the weather.
• Use child car seats correctly.
• Secure children with seat belts or child seats on planes.
• Apply appropriate sunscreen to prevent sunburn.
• Use sunglasses and hats.

 

Avoid swimming in unclean water.

• For ear pain during flights, encourage breastfeeding, yawning, or chewing gum (if age-appropriate).
• Travel Health Tips for Older Adults:
• Visit a doctor for a comprehensive check-up and to assess readiness for travel.
• Pack extra glasses, necessary medications, and a small first-aid kit.
• Ensure routine vaccinations are up to date and consider flu and pneumonia shots if needed.
• Use lightweight, wheeled luggage to reduce strain on the back and joints.

 

Bring weather-appropriate clothing and head coverings.

• Verify health insurance coverage.
• Travel Health Tips for People with Disabilities:
• Arrange necessary travel accommodations, such as wheelchairs and special seating, in advance.
• Obtain a medical letter detailing health conditions or specific needs.

 

Wear a medical alert bracelet or necklace if appropriate.

Verify health insurance coverage.

Common Health Issues During Travel:

Ear Barotrauma:

• Caused by rapid changes in air pressure, especially during airplane takeoff and landing, leading to discomfort or pain in the ears.
• Prevention Tips:
• For infants and small children: encourage sucking or breastfeeding.

 

For adults: chew gum or swallow repeatedly.

Use earplugs to reduce pressure effects.

Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT):

• A blood clot in the deep veins, usually in the legs, increased by prolonged immobility during long trips.
• Prevention Tips:

 

Move around and stretch legs every 2 hours.

Wear compression stockings to improve circulation.

Traveler’s Diarrhea:

• A digestive disorder causing diarrhea and stomach cramps, usually from contaminated food or water.
• Prevention Tips:
• Choose food carefully—avoid raw or undercooked food and street vendors.

 

Drink bottled water and avoid ice cubes.

Practice good hygiene—wash hands regularly.

Jet Lag:

• A disruption of the body’s internal clock due to traveling across time zones, causing fatigue and sleep disturbances.
• Prevention Tips:
• Adjust sleep schedule before departure.

 

Get sunlight exposure upon arrival to reset your internal clock.

Rest adequately before and during the trip.

Tanning (Skin Darkening):

• Skin darkening from UV radiation exposure, either from the sun or tanning devices.
• Prevention Tips:
• Apply broad-spectrum sunscreen with high SPF.

 

Avoid direct sun exposure between 10 AM and 4 PM.

Wear protective clothing, hats, and sunglasses.

FrequentlyAAskedBQuestions:

 

What vaccines should I get before traveling?