Spring Travel

In 2005, of the 1,528 cases of malaria reported to CDC, all but 2 were related to travel overseas. Of the approximately 400 cases of typhoid fever each year in the U.S., 70% are related to trips abroad. In 1997, 40% of all preventable deaths of U.S. citizens abroad were due to injuries.

The good news is that most travel-related sickness and injury can be prevented. You are likely to be a traveler who has an enjoyable trip free from illness or injury when you follow these tips:

1. Be informed: Learn about travel health risks and what to do to avoid them before your trip.

2. Be ready: Get any vaccinations (shots) or medicines that you will need before your trip.

3. Be smart while you travel: Make sure you follow travel safety tips while you are on your trip.

1. Be Informed

Four to 6 weeks before your trip, find out what you need to know about staying healthy and safe in the area where you are traveling by visiting the Travelers' Health Web site. Using the site is simple. Choose the destination (by country or region) you are traveling to and you will get information about:

• disease and safety risks and how to avoid them;

• special notices about outbreaks or other disease activity; and

• what vaccinations or preventive medications (prophylaxis) you should or will be required to get.

Important: some countries require you to present a certificate that says you have had a yellow fever vaccination before you can enter. Only authorized healthcare providers can give the yellow fever vaccine.

• Find out if you need a yellow fever vaccination

• Locate a certified yellow fever vaccination clinic

If you are pregnant or traveling with children, traveling with pets, or if you are a traveler with special needs, do not forget to read the specific advice CDC has for you.

To be on the safe side, read Planning for Healthy Travel and Seeking Health Care Abroad before you go. These Web pages will help you know what to do to reduce your risk of illness while traveling and what to do it you get sick or injured during your trip. If you are going on a cruise, see our cruise ship travel recommendations, and cruise ship inspection scores from the CDC Vessel Sanitation Program.

For healthcare providers, textbook-style information is also available in the CDC publication, Health Information for International Travel, also known as the "Yellow Book." The 2008 edition, which will be available in June 2007, includes new and updated maps, new sections on skin infections and blood clots and a substantially enhanced chapter on influenza that covers avian influenza and the threat of pandemic influenza.

2. Be Ready

If you will need any vaccinations or medicines, go to your healthcare provider or a travel medicine clinic at least 4 to 6 weeks before your trip. This will give your vaccinations time to work so that you will be protected during your trip. If it is less than 4 weeks before you leave, you should still see your doctor. It might not be too late to get your vaccinations, medications, and other useful information.

Prepare a travelers' health kit so you have all the medications and supplies you may need before you go.

3. Be Smart While You Travel

To reduce your risk of illness:

• Wash your hands often and well with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand rub (with at least 60% alcohol) to help kill germs, especially before eating! If you are going on a cruise, read these fact sheets about handwashing and reducing other health risks while on a cruise.

• If visiting developing areas, drink only bottled or boiled water or carbonated (bubbly) drinks from sources you trust. Do not drink tap water or fountain drinks, or eat ice cubes.

• Only eat food that has been fully cooked or fruits and vegetables that have been washed and peeled by you. Remember: boil it, cook it, peel it, or forget it.

• If visiting an area where you might get malaria, make sure to take your malaria prevention medication before, during, and after your trip, as directed.

• If you might be bitten by insects (like mosquitoes or ticks) use insect repellent (bug spray) with up to 50% DEET. The label on the container will tell you the DEET content. Picaridin, another repellent, is available at 7% and 15% concentrations and needs more frequent application.

• Make sure you know how to protect yourself from injury while you travel. Motor vehicle accidents are a leading cause of injury deaths in travelers. Swimming-related accidents are also a major cause of injury among travelers.

Follow the tips and recommendations your healthcare provider and the CDC's Travelers' Health site offer, and you are more likely to remain healthy and safe, so you can enjoy your time away from home.

Happy traveling!