Travel Health and Safety University of Oregon Health Center

University of Oregon Travel University of Oregon provides a comprehensive travel health service. University of Oregon sends around 800 students abroad to 90 International programs in 50 countries.

Travel Documents Passport International Certificate of Vaccination Copies of drivers license, birth certificate, insurance cards, major credit cards, frequent flyer card and International telephone access phone numbers (banks, credit cards, phone company)

Traveler’s Checklist Carry a wallet or wear a necklace or wrist band with medical condition or allergy to medications Consider medical/evacuation insurance for travel abroad Dental and Medical check-ups prior to departing Pack enough medication to last the entire trip keep in your carry-on. Carry copies of prescription orders and a letter stating the need for the medication Carry an extra pair of eye glasses or contact lenses Carry a first aid kit with a thermometer.

Packing 101 Go Safe, Go light, Go Easy Contact airline regarding carry-on and luggage restrictions

Immunizations and Travel Prescriptions Come to the University of Oregon Health Center or go to your University Health Center and schedule a travel appointment. Find out what immunizations are recommended and if diarrhea treatment or malaria prophylaxis is indicated. Come in at least at least 6-8 weeks before you travel. Travel Health On-line CDC

Immunizations One of the greatest misconceptions people have is that immunization entry requirements are designed to protect visitors. They are not. Governments design these measures to protect their own citizens from imported diseases.

Routine immunizations Recommended immunizations will help protect your health: Hepatitis A Hepatitis B Meningitis Tetanus/Diphtheria/ Pertussis TB Skin Test (ppd)

Air Travel Health Risks Economy Class Syndrome (DVT-deep vein thrombosis/ blood clots) –Risk factors Sitting motionless for long periods Adults – especially older age Injuries for blood vessels –Leg trauma, surgery, radiation therapy Oral contraceptives/ HRT Pregnancy Obesity

Prevention of Economy class syndrome Frequent flexing – minute intervals Avoid sitting with legs crossed Avoid anything that impedes circulation (braces, tight clothes) Don’t sleep for prolonged periods (longer than 30 minutes) Stay well-hydrated Consult clinician if have risk factors

Motor Vehicle Safety More travelers die in motor vehicle accidents than of foreign diseases Seat Belts? Use them! Motorcycles/Scooters are NOT a good idea Use the bus wisely

Pre-Travel Advice -SEX Is sex with new partner common in travelers? YES!!!!!! –Range is 5-50% for short term –Higher rate for long term travelers One study of travelers found that: –Travelers tend to have more sexual partners and more contact with high HIV risk groups than non-travelers

Alcohol and Drugs Be aware of local laws and customs –Some countries have very harsh drug laws Both contribute to increase risk of accidents –Drowning –Motor Vehicle Accident –Falls

Let’s Talk Disease Food and Water Born Diseases: –Typhoid –Travelers Diarrhea –Hepatitis A “Creature” transmitted: –Malaria –Rabies –Yellow Fever –Dengue Fever

Traveler’s Diarrhea Effects up to 60% of travelers Usually caused by bacteria, treatable with antibiotics Travel Prescriptions available from the UO Travel Clinic Highest incidence in Africa, Asia, Latin America, and the Middle East Pre travel immunization can provide only varying degrees of protection against typhoid and hepatitis A.

Food and Water Precautions Assume bottled beverages are the only SAFE drinks Avoid ice cubes Avoid leafy and uncooked fruits and vegetables Avoid raw seafood and unpasteurized dairy products Water treatment – filters, chemical, boil,….

Good Choices Choose fruit you peel yourself Only drink boiled, treated or professionally bottled beverages Choose well cooked “piping hot” food Use purified water for brushing teeth, rinsing mouth appliances and contact lenses

Malaria Malaria is the most important parasitic disease in the world Spectacular growth in tourism –Increased travel to high transmission areas –As many as 30,000 travelers from industrialized countries contact malaria each year –Increasing drug resistance

Malaria Prevention Awareness of risk Know how to prevent it: Chemoprophylaxis- Mefloquine, Chloroquine, Malarone, Doxycycline Personal protective measures: bed net, covering up, insect repellent w/ DEET or Picaridin Seek medical attention urgently if you develop a fever during or after travel

Insect Protection Apply repellants that contain insecticide: DEET (30-35%) OR Picaridin (20%) Apply sunscreen first, then repellant Choose light weight clothing that covers most of the body Pre-treat clothing with permethrin containing repellents- Treated insect netting

Culture Plan ahead! Do your homework Be quiet Be patient Be respectful A little language goes a long way… Smile

Enjoy Your Trip And when you get home: Get TB screening (PPD) 2-3 months after returning. Be vigilant for symptoms that might indicate a tropical or imported illness: skin lesions, fevers, diarhhea and see a provider telling them you have had recent travel..