Traveler's Health: Water, Food, Flights and Vaccines

Traveling can raise your chances of getting sick.

On the way

A long flight can increase your risk of deep vein thrombosis — a blood clot in a deep vein.

When you arrive

It takes time to adjust to new water, food and air.

Water: in developing countries it can carry viruses, bacteria and parasites that cause stomach upset and diarrhea.

• Use only bottled or purified water for drinking, ice cubes and brushing your teeth.
• If you use tap water, boil it or use iodine tablets.

Food: food poisoning is a risk too.

• Eat only food that is fully cooked and served hot.
• Avoid raw fruits and vegetables that are unwashed or unpeeled.

Vaccines and medicines

Traveling abroad, you may need vaccinations or medicines to prevent specific illnesses. Which ones depends on:

• where you're going;
• the time of year;
• your age and overall health;
• your previous vaccinations.

See your doctor 4 to 6 weeks before your trip — most vaccines take time to work.

Sources

Based on "Traveler's Health," MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine, drawing on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; a work of the United States government in the public domain.