What You Need to Know Before You Travel
Planning to travel? Staying healthy while abroad starts with good preparation. Whether you’re traveling for business, leisure, or visiting family, understanding potential health risks can help ensure a safe and enjoyable trip.
- Vaccinations & Health Precautions: Many destinations require or recommend specific vaccinations, and some vaccines require multiple doses over weeks or months. Plan ahead—don’t wait until the last minute! Ideally, you should start the vaccination process at least 4 to 6 weeks before your departure to allow time for immunity to develop.
- Food & Water Safety: Protect yourself from foodborne illnesses by following safe eating and drinking habits. Avoid tap water in high-risk areas and opt for bottled or purified water.
- Preventing Insect-Borne Diseases: Some regions have a risk of malaria, dengue, or other mosquito-borne illnesses. Consider preventive measures like insect repellent, long-sleeved clothing, and mosquito nets, and check if antimalarial medication is recommended.
- Medication & Travel Kits: Bring essential medications, including any prescriptions you may need, and a small first aid kit for minor illnesses or injuries. Some medications that are available over-the-counter in the U.S. may be restricted in other countries, so check local regulations before you travel.
Travel Vaccinations – Plan Ahead!
Many common travel vaccines require multiple doses or take time to become effective. Last-minute vaccinations may not fully protect you before your trip. Some vaccines to consider based on your destination:
- Hepatitis A & B – Protection against contaminated food, water, or blood exposure.
- Typhoid – Recommended for travel to regions with poor sanitation.
- Yellow Fever – Required for entry into certain countries; some nations may deny entry without proof of vaccination.
- Rabies – Important for travelers spending time outdoors or in areas with stray animals.
- Japanese Encephalitis – Recommended for extended stays in rural parts of Asia.
To ensure you’re properly protected, check vaccination recommendations well in advance of your trip.
