Scott Henderson, MD Director, Medical Services MU Student Health Center

Transcription

1 Scott Henderson, MD Director, Medical Services MU Student Health Center

2 Be proactive Research your destination country What to know, bring, laws & customs, health recommendations Develop a complete travel itinerary Be prepared Copy important documents Pack a first-aid and medical kit Verify health insurance coverage Considering sharing relevant health information with your program leaders so they might be better prepared to assist should you have a health issue Be protected See a travel medicine specialist Immunizations, pre-travel needs Student Health Center offers these services Avoid risky behavior during travel

3 Research your destination. Know your compete itinerary.

4 Best site to review for medical info CDC Travelers Health Website

5 State Department travel.state.gov Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) A free service to allow U.S. citizens and nationals traveling abroad to enroll their trip with the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate World Health Organization International Travel and Health WHO Green Book Make sure you enroll International Society of Travel Medicine

6 Full itinerary Dates, duration, stopovers Seasonal considerations Styles of travel Rural vs. urban Budget vs. luxury Accommodation Hotel vs. camping Activities Education vs. business vs. tourism Adventure, safari Missionary/humanitarian Will you be traveling to other countries? If so you will need to consider travel issues in that country also

7 Copy important documents Pack a first-aid and medical kit Verify health insurance coverage Considering sharing relevant health information with program leaders

8 The US State Department web site will provide you with current information on health care related issues in the country you plan to visit travel.state.gov

9 Consider sharing health information with your leader that might be helpful in a medical emergency What Current medications Chronic health conditions Allergies Immunization history Blood type, in some cases Glasses prescription (or extra pair) Name of your primary care provider Name and policy# of health insurance company How Store in secure place and make photocopies Scan them and send them as an to yourself Consider Medic Alert Emblem for chronic conditions

10 Supply to last duration of trip plus a little extra Always, carry your prescription medication in original packaging with your doctor s prescription. If traveling with prescription medication, especially narcotics or ADD/ADHD medications for check with the government of the destination country for rules and regulations. The country s embassy should be able to provide you with this information. Information can also be found on the US State Department website Keep in your carry on bags check with airlines requirements

11 Consider Including Pain/ Fever Allergies/Insect Bites/Motion sickness - Antihistamine Diarrhea - Pepto Bismol or Imodium Antacid Antibacterial hand wipes or alcohol-based hand sanitizer containing at least 60% alcohol Cuts - Antibacterials (Neosporin), Band-aids Cough and Cold Care Sexual Health - birth control pills, condoms Feminine personal care products 1% hydrocortisone cream Insect Repellant Sunscreens

12 See a travel medicine specialist. Avoid risky behavior during travel.

13 Routine Immunizations Childhood immunizations Tdap, Influenza and Hepatitis A are the key ones Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria, acellular pertussis) or Td (tetanus and diphtheria) booster within past 5-10 years MMR (mumps/measles/rubella) 2 doses Influenza: yearly Hepatitis B: 3 doses Hepatitis A Recommended for all unvaccinated people traveling to or working in countries where exposure might occur through food or water. Can occur in travelers to developing countries with standard tourist itineraries, accommodations, and food consumption behaviors. At least 2 weeks prior to travel, preferable 4 weeks

14 Wash hands often with soap and water or alcohol based hand gel Alcohol based hand gel is best unless hands are visibly soiled Only eat foods that are well cooked and served hot Avoid food served at room temperature Avoid raw or undercooked (rare) meats and fish, including shellfish Avoid unpasteurized dairy products and fruit juices

15 International travel can be fun, but it can also be stressful. Travel can spark mood changes, depression, anxiety, and uncharacteristic behaviors (violence, suicidal thoughts, and excessive drug and alcohol use) It can worsen symptoms in people with existing mental illness. Anticipating the possible stresses of travel can help you cope with some of the thoughts and feelings that you may have before, during, or after your trip. Stresses of Travel Separation from family and friends. Time zone changes and jet lag/sleep deprivation. Disruption of normal routines and travel delays. Unfamiliar surroundings and presence of strangers. Culture Shock/Sense of isolation. Language barriers. Use of drugs and alcohol. Physical ill health during travel. Forgetting to take medication regularly.

16 Before Your Trip Talk to your provider about your travel plans along with your physical and mental health history. Don t forget to mention any treatments for substance abuse, depression, or psychological problems, and any prescription or over-the-counter medicines or supplements you may take. During Your Trip Take care of your health by getting adequate rest, eating healthfully and exercising regularly. Pre-arrange contact with close friends and family, especially when travelling alone. Avoid excess alcohol and illicit drugs Get help immediately if you feel stressed, anxious, depressed, very angry, or as if you want to hurt yourself or someone else. The US embassy in your destination can help you locate medical services and will notify your family and friends in the event of an emergency. If you take medicines to treat a mental health condition, continue your normal routine. Don t let your travels steer you off course with your treatment. After Your Trip Symptoms of a mental health condition may not present themselves until you return from your trip.

17 Risk of road and pedestrian accidents Car crashes are a leading cause of injury among travellers Wearing your seat belt Following local traffic laws. Wearing helmets when you ride bikes, motorcycles, and motor bikes. Not getting on an overloaded bus or mini-bus. Hiring a local driver, when possible. Avoiding night driving Use of drugs and alcohol Understanding local crime risks Scam awareness Situational awareness Location avoidance

18 Symptoms Disturbed sleep (such as insomnia, early waking or excessive sleepiness) Daytime fatigue Difficulty concentrating or functioning at your usual level Stomach problems, constipation or diarrhea A general feeling of not being well Muscle soreness Menstrual symptoms in women Usually a day of recovery for every time zone crossed. Prevention Pre-Flight Relax, exercise, good night sleep In-Flight Drink plenty of fluids Avoiding alcohol Sleeping Aids Blindfolds, earplugs, pillows Exercise Walk in isles, small stretches Reduce blood clot risks Post-Flight Showers Light exposure Caffeine Melatonin Prescription sleep medications

19 To avoid infections such as HIV and viral hepatitis do not share needles for tattoos, body piercing, or injections. To reduce the risk of HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases always use latex condoms. To prevent fungal and parasitic infections, keep feet clean and dry, and do not go barefoot, especially on beaches where animals may have defecated.

20 Post-travel care See your physician if you become ill within 12 months after returning Fever, chills, sweats Persistent diarrhea Weight loss

21 Plan well in advance of departure date Begin the process 2-6 months before you are scheduled to leave Some immunizations require multiple shots spaced a specific time apart Call Student Health Center for an immunizations only appointment. Immunization recommendations, if not up-to-date Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria, acellular pertussis) Hepatitis A Influenza See Health Care provider for a health visit, if interested

22 If questions regarding information provided in the slides contact the Student Health Center Director, Medical Services at the following address with the subject line noted below Subject: Travel Slide Questions