Rotary can take you many places. What can you do to stay healthy while visiting other countries? A travel expert will help you plan ahead. You’ll learn how to figure out which immunizations you’ll need, and other measures you can take to prevent disease.

1. Travel tips: How to prepare for safe travel
anywhere in the world. DebbieHeit MD
1. Decide where you are going, time of year, method of transport, and type of
lodging. Destination alerts and country details can be found on websites
such as
a. https://cdc.gov
b. https://travel.state.gov
c. http://www.fitfortravel.nhs.uk
d. http://www.travax.nhs.uk
2. Keep your health up to date including routine checkups and immunizations
(such as influenza and tetanus).
3. Check the CDC travel website for recommended travel immunizations
including hepatitis A and typhoid. Your doctor will need to prescribe
malaria prophylaxis if needed. Plan your pre-travelhealth visitat least 4-6
weeks before you go.
4. Travelers should carry a list of all prescription medications, including their
generic names. For controlled substances and injectable medications,
travelers should carry a note fromthe prescribing clinician on letterhead
stationery or electronic record with office address etc.
5. Purchaseor preparea travel med kit include first aid supplies,
thermometer, hand sanitizer, antibiotic ointment, hydrocortisonecream,
and anti-fungalcream.
6. Travel supplies should include insect repellent, sunscreen, mosquito netting
for some areas, and appropriateclothing.
7. Remember to reapply sunscreen and insect repellants throughoutthe day.
8. Bring copies of passports, insurancedocuments, creditcards (including lost
or stolen card contact numbers), emergency contact numbers, and medical

2. documents. Keep a copy of documents at home. Let your credit card
companies know your travel plans.
9. Consider programs such as STEP Smart Traveler Enrollment Program with
U.S. Department of State https://travel.state.gov and The International
Association for Medical Assistanceto Travelers www.iamat.org. If you
become ill while traveling, seek medical care.
10. Be a savvy traveler. Respect the customs of the countries you visit
including how you dress and communicate. Protect yourself by wearing
seatbelts or helmets (on motorcycles or bikes). Keep your valuables tucked
away and be awareof your situation (good SA).
11. Practice safe eating and drinking hygiene. Good handwashing is essential.
12. If you become ill after you return home, let your doctor know about the
countries you visited. Please do not ignore symptoms of fever, persistent
cough, skin rashes, or diarrhea.
13. If you are pregnant, avoid traveling to areas with Zika virus. Check the
CDC or World Health Organization websites for Zika warnings and updates.
14. Have a safe and fun trip!