News Taffy

Many people enjoy traveling abroad because they enjoy a sense of adventure, learning about other cultures and trying new things. One thing no one wants to sample when traveling abroad is the local health care system. Here are a few tips to keep healthy while outside the U.S.

Long before you go, check with the CDC or State Department for any health alerts in the area in which you will be traveling and make sure you are current on recommended vaccines, especially when traveling to developing countries and rural areas. Diseases like measles that are rare in the US are still a threat in other parts of the world. You should plan to get your vaccines at least 4 to 6 weeks prior to your departure date so your body can develop immunity. Some countries require visitors to carry an International Certificate of Vaccination (Yellow Card) as proof they have had certain vaccines before entering the country. Check the Country Specific information tab on the US Department of State website or the CDC.

Make sure you refill your prescriptions before leaving so you have enough medication for the entire trip. Many countries have strict laws governing even over the counter medications so read up before you go and get a letter from your doctor if necessary as some prescription medicines are illegal in foreign countries and may subject you to arrest - know before you go!

Make sure your insurance policy applies for overseas emergencies; you may need supplemental insurance. Be aware that social security and Medicare do not provide coverage outside of the US and many foreign doctors and hospitals will require payment in cash. If your insurance does cover you while abroad, take both your insurance policy identity card and a claim form. Note that most insurance policies will not pay for medical evacuation back to the US which can cost $10,000 and up.

One of the most common problems for those traveling abroad is Montezuma’s Revenge or traveler’s diarrhea which is often caused by contaminated food or drink or less than sanitary food prep conditions. Avoid: room temperature or raw foods, even fresh fruits and vegetables, street food, eating bush meat (local wild game), buffets, tap water, even to brush your teeth and ice, since it is usually made from tap water.

Okay to eat: hot foods and drinks since heat usually kills any germs or bacteria, bottled or canned drinks, (dishonest street vendors may bottle tap water!) alcohol though the ice or fresh fruits may be a problem.

Take Pepto-Bismol daily when traveling to prevent diarrhea; the recommended dose is 2 tabs taken 4 times a day but this may cause constipation. My family got by with 1 tab once a day. Imodium helps ease symptoms if you do get travelers diarrhea.

Avoid animals while traveling, even dogs and cats, as pets may not be vaccinated against rabies and other diseases as they are in the US. Rabies is most often fatal if an exposed person is not promptly given rabies shots. Make sure you have a current rabies vaccination if you are traveling to a high risk area, will be camping or caving or you are traveling with small children. Monkeys spread rabies, Ebola and other serious diseases so do not touch or feed a monkey.