The snow is starting to melt, flu season is coming to an end and a break from school is on the horizon. That’s right: it’s almost spring break. Many schools have break at different times meaning spring break plans can vary. Here are some general rules to adhere to, no matter where you are going or what you might be doing.

Do your homework:

Before heading out on your spring break adventure, be sure to research your destination. Although this tip sounds basic, it is important. Some of the most common destinations for spring vacations need more preparation than an average trip.

• Vaccinations– Some locales will have recommendations for the hepatitis A vaccine or the yellow fever vaccine, while only routine shots may be recommended for destinations like Florida.
• Personal Prevention- Prepare for any personal restrictions you may have like gluten intolerance or diabetes. Relaxing vacations don’t mean relaxed health regimens.
• Traveler’s Diarrhea– While not what you may want to think about when planning your trip, TD is a serious risk. Take a travelerr’s diarrhea kit with you, especially if you’re traveling to riskier destinations. This includes Mexico, the Caribbean or any developing country.

While you’re there:

Wherever you may be going, be sure to use good travel sense and follow the recommendations that you may have received from your doctor or Passport Health Travel Specialist. This includes:

• Avoid food carts- While tempting at times, this local cuisine can lead to problems. Always choose well-cooked foods that have been prepared in front of you.
  

• Use sunscreen at all times- Cloudy days may look like no UV protection is required, but, the most harmful rays are still getting through. Be sure to wear sunscreen at all times, when lounging at the beach or just walking around town.

Before coming home:

Coming home can be a sad part of any vacation, but it also provides an opportunity to prepare for your next trip.

• Start planning what you might want to do next time before you even leave, and then continue planning when you get home.
• Stay mindful of what you’re bringing home. You are typically not allowed to bring fruits, vegetables and other food home with you. Check with your airline and with your country’s government so that you know what can travel back with you.
• Vaccination is another way of making sure unwanted diseases like hepatitis or Japanese encephalitis don’t travel home with you. Many diseases have week long incubation periods. This means you could return home then get a nasty surprise. Be sure to get vaccinated before you leave to avoid any unwanted traveling buddies.

To learn more about which vaccines you may need for spring break, see Passport Health’s Travel Medicine portal. Or, schedule an appointment today by calling or booking online now.

Do you have any special plans for spring break? Share them with us! Comment below or on our Facebook page. Or, send us a tweet on Twitter using #PPHSpringBreak.

Just over a month ago, two Zika cases were tied to Thailand. One was in a resident of the country and another was in a traveler who was found to have the disease as he passed through Taiwan. Does this mean a possible repeat of what we have seen in Central and South America could occur in South East Asia?

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Many people have turned from glasses to contact lenses for a variety of reasons. However, the extra care contacts require sometimes makes people shy away from wearing contacts while traveling. Or, worse, travelers end up not caring for their contacts correctly while on the trip. Fortunately, you can take your contacts with you on your vacation and enjoy your trip! Just be sure to follow a few key pointers recommended by optometrists and the Centers for Disease Control.

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Problems Caused by Illness during Business Travel

Each year, millions of Americans travel overseas for work-related reasons. As the economy becomes more globalized, corporate travel and health concerns tied to it, will increase. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommend a travel health consultation at least 4 to 6 weeks in before traveling.

But, short notice business trips might make a travel health appointment difficult or even impossible. Missed or incomplete vaccines increase the risk of becoming sick abroad. Popular destinations like India and Thailand have endemic diseases not seen in North America. The CDC recommends business travelers be up-to-date for their routine vaccinations including:

• MMR (Measles, Mumps and Rubella)
• Chickenpox
• Hepatitis A
• Hepatitis B
• TDaP (Tetanus, Diphtheria and Pertussis)

Other recommended vaccinations may include:

• Yellow Fever
• Typhoid
• Japanese Encephalitis
• Polio
• Rabies

Another business travel problem is jet lag. Corporate travelers rarely have the time to acclimate. A tired body is more susceptible to disease. Sudden injury or illness in an unfamiliar location can make getting adequate and timely care difficult at best. Especially if you are traveling to an exotic or developing world location.

Corporate travelers are exposed to a host of other travel-related stressors. These include:

• Lack of time to exercise
• Lack of a balanced and nutritious diet while traveling
• Forgetting or running out of medication

Staying Healthy While Traveling for Work

There are ways to prevent many travel-related health problems. With the right precautions you can make the most of your time and productivity overseas:

Get a Pre-Travel Health Exam

A pre-travel health exam will ensure that chronic medical conditions you may have are under control. A travel health specialist can also help you receive an adequate supply of medication for your trip. Written copies of your medical and immunization records can also be provided.

Get Vaccinated

Travel immunizations can prevent many serious illnesses, including yellow fever, hepatitis A and B, and typhoid fever. See our vaccinations page to learn more about the vaccines you may need and why they are important.

Pack With Care

Be sure to pack the health, medical and first aid supplies necessary to ensure your good health. This might include:

• A basic first aid kit
• Prescription medicines
• Sunscreen
• Mosquito repellent
• Over-the-counter medications such as pain relievers, anti-histamines, anti-diarrhea and anti-constipation remedies
• Bring your own water purification tablets and oral rehydration solution. Especially if you are traveling to an area where clean water may not be available.

Visit a travel health specialist, even if it is on the same day you leave. You will rest easy knowing you have taken a huge step in preventing unexpected problems during your trip.

Sources:
https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/page/getting-health-care-abroad
https://www.nytimes.com/2005/12/20/business/whats-worse-than-getting-sick-getting-sick-while-traveling.html