Travel Medicine

Overview

Before you travel to another country, take precautions to stay healthy by learning the potential health risks you will encounter. Prepare yourself by learning how to prevent diseases through proper food handling, insect protection and immunizations with the help of physicians at IU Health.

Your immune system has developed to keep you safe in your normal environment. You probably remain immune to most colds, flus or other illnesses common in your area. However, the viruses and bacteria that cause these diseases differ around the world, leaving you susceptible to possible illnesses.

Risks

Depending on where you travel, you may also become exposed to dozens of illnesses not found in your native country, such as malaria, Chagas disease or African sleeping sickness. Vaccinations and immunizations have eradicated some diseases, such as polio, in parts of the world, but these diseases remain present in some countries. In addition, the conditions of different countries allow disease to spread more easily. Poor food handling or lack of water filtration could allow contamination. A high population of insects, such as mosquitoes, also allows disease to spread quickly from person to person.

What to Expect

You should make an appointment with an infectious diseases physician at IU Health at least eight weeks before you travel abroad in order to ensure you have time to get any immunizations you may need.

IU Health specialists prepare world travelers for their journeys by providing vaccinations and education on staying well. Through focused education and extensive training, your physicians have expertise in the prevention and treatment of infectious diseases around the globe. Your physicians stay up-to-date with the latest vaccine and travel health recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) so you receive all the vaccinations you need. From sanitizing water, to cooking safely, to preventing insect bites, your physicians will work with you to protect your health so you can travel safely.

IU Health Infectious Diseases physicians offer a range of services to prepare travelers:

• Infectious diseases appointments. You should schedule an appointment with an infectious diseases physician eight weeks before you travel and bring your medical history, immunization records and trip itinerary with you. Your itinerary allows your physicians to make specific, personalized recommendations based on the countries you plan to visit.
• Immunizations. At IU Health, your physicians have vaccinations for a range of diseases, including:
  • Hepatitis A
  • Hepatitis B
  • HPV (Human Papillomavirus)
  • Influenza
  • Polio
  • Japanese encephalitis
  • Measles
  • Mumps
  • Rubella
  • Meningococcal (meningitis)
  • Pneumonia
  • Rabies
  • Tetanus
  • Diphtheria
  • Pertussis
  • Typhoid (oral and injectable)
  • Varicella (chicken pox and shingles)
  • Yellow fever
• Education. Your physicians share their expertise and teach you how to prevent infections caused by a variety of sources. They provide specialized education depending on when and where you travel.

During and After Travel

During your visit, you can receive the suggested immunizations, prescriptions for medications to help prevent malaria and diarrhea, and documentation of all immunizations you receive. Your physicians continue to support you as you travel and are available by secure email to offer advice.

When you return from your travels, your physicians offer post-travel consultations. Their specialized training allows them to diagnose and treat uncommon diseases you might contract while travelling. Some of these conditions may rarely occur in the United States.