Tips for travelers

Each year millions of Americans travel abroad for vacation or to visit friends and relatives. Most international travel-related health problems are preventable, however, travelers are often unaware of health risks, lack an understanding of the measures necessary to avoid them, or both.

The Centers for Disease Controls and Prevention recommends travelers visit a health-care provider four to six weeks before their departure date to allow time for vaccinations to take effect. Travelers are reminded of other measures to stay healthy:

• Practice frequent and thorough hand-washing with soap and water or a waterless, alcohol-based hand rub.
• Drink only bottled or boiled water, or carbonated (bubbly) drinks in cans or bottles. Avoid tap water, fountain drinks and ice cubes.
• Eat only thoroughly cooked food or fruits and vegetables they have peeled themselves and remember to boil it, cook it, peel it or forget it.
• If visiting an area where there is risk for malaria, take malaria prevention medication before, during and after travel, as directed.
• Use insect repellent containing up to 50 percent DEET, according to the manufacturer's directions.