Following is a summary of the main points discussed at Northwestern's
pre-departure orientation in the session Staying Healthy
Abroad,” presented by Patti Lubin, Health Educator at
Northwestern's Searle Health Services. If you have further
questions, please contact Northwestern
University Travel Health Services.Before Leaving
- Do your homework. Learn about the cultural climate and
health risks to be concerned about in the countries you
plan to visit. Don't forget to plan for those side trips.
- Have you made your health service travel appointment?
Did you plan ahead to get all needed immunizations (6 to
8 weeks)? Do you need to have an international certificate
of Immunization? For more information, contact Northwestern
University Travel Health Services.
- Have you had a dental and doctor/practitioner appointment?
Do you need a letter from a physician to carry all your
medications? Do you need a medic alert tag? Do you need
an extra set of glasses/contacts? Do you need to start taking
medications in advance?
- Have you made plans to have insurance coverage while traveling?
Can you get the information you need and access care abroad?
Do you have the U.S. embassies' and consulates' phone numbers
as resources?
Start Your Packing List
- Comfortable Shoes
- Clothes to dress for the weather, and culture
- Current converter
- Hat
- Sunglasses
- Water shoes
- Water purification system?
- Insect repellants
- Medical kit in carry on bag
Insect Repellants
- Permethrins: clothing treatmentódip or spray and it lasts
for two to three weeks even if you wash your clothes
- Deet-no more than 35%.
- Use controlled release preparations
- Consider taking own bedding
Medical Kit Item Suggestions
- Pepto-Bismol or Imodium AD
- Band-aids
- Moleskin
- Thermometer
- Sunscreen
- Antacid
- Aspirin/aspirin free product
- Cough and cold medicine
- A mild laxative
- Sunburn medication
- Antifungal/anti itch agent
- Antibacterial cream/spray
- Bee sting kit
- Other items-ace bandage, regular medications, supplies,
a waterless soap, toilet paper, tissues, straws, etc.
Water, Fruits, and Beverages
- Bottled wateróbreak seals yourself, use your drinking
straws.
- Remember ice cubes could be unfiltered water and a chance
for infection.
- Water purification systems, if necessary, and know how
to use them ahead of time.
- Watch for unpasteurized milk, raw fruits and vegetables,
and unrefrigerated foods.
- Watch for raw or undercooked meat and shellfish, and food
sold by vendors.
What happens if I do get diarrhea?
- Avoid solid foods and dairy products for 24 hours
- Drink liquids to prevent dehydration
- Take Pepto-Bismol or Imodium (avoid Pepto-Bismol if sensitive
to aspirin.)
- If you have a fever, abdominal pain or bloody stools,
seek help!
Car and Vehicle Travel
- Use seatbelts if possible
- Donít drive at night
- Be familiar with exits and entrances
- Be as safe as you can
- Donít drive while intoxicated!!
Swimming
- Swim in marked swimming areas, chlorinated water is best
- Beware of fresh water swimming, especially near sewer
mouths
- You can swim in oceans, but beware of sewer mouths
- Don't swim alone, while intoxicated, or at night
- Don't walk barefoot!
Sexual Health: Remember
- Partners are not always truthful with their sexual history.
- Condoms do not protect against all STD's.
- You can get STD's by hand/genital contact.
- Razor and toothbrush sharing is not safe!
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