Serving the Lowcountry and Coastal Empire of Georgia and South Carolina.
Thursday, November 14, 2024
Whether it’s to visit loved ones or escape to a warmer climate, winter is a popular time for travel. Unfortunately, it’s also the season when certain infectious diseases – including the flu – tend to peak. While getting sick isn’t always entirely preventable, there are ways to reduce your risk of picking up an illness during your travels.
The experts at SouthCoast Health are here to share illness prevention strategies for wintertime travel.
Infectious diseases refer to any illness caused by an organism, such as viruses, bacteria, fungi, or parasites. When traveling, it’s common to focus on health threats specific to your destination. However, because you'll be in close proximity to other travelers from various locations, it's also essential to protect yourself against common infectious diseases you could encounter anywhere, such as respiratory infections, COVID-19, and flu viruses.
One of the strongest defenses you can have is ensuring you’re vaccinated not only against illnesses specific to your destination but also against those that could be transmitted while traveling. Make sure you’re up-to-date on vaccinations for:
Depending on where you’re going, there may be location-specific illnesses related to parasites, insects, climate, or other regional factors. Some countries require specific vaccinations to ensure safe travel. For example, certain countries in South America, Central Africa, and Sub-Saharan Africa require vaccination against yellow fever.
If you're traveling outside the country, visit your healthcare provider with your travel itinerary four to six weeks before your departure to ensure you’re up-to-date on regional vaccines. Even for domestic travel, ensure you receive any necessary boosters at least a couple of weeks in advance, as it takes time for vaccines, such as the flu shot, to generate protective antibodies.
While vaccines are available for many infectious diseases, others do not yet have one. Preventing mosquito and tick bites is therefore crucial to minimizing disease risk during travel.
The mosquito-borne Zika virus, for instance, is active in South and Central America, the Caribbean, the Pacific Islands, Africa, and Asia, and there is no vaccine available. To reduce your risk of contracting this and other mosquito-borne illnesses, wear loose clothing that covers your arms and legs, use insect repellent with at least 50% DEET, and sleep under insecticide-treated mosquito nets.
Foodborne illnesses can occur anywhere, but the risk of infection is higher when consuming raw or undercooked food. Fruits or vegetables that haven’t been washed with clean water could pose risks, as can unpasteurized dairy products and improperly cooked meats. Contaminated water and ice are also dangerous. Stick to thoroughly washed, cooked foods and canned or unopened bottled beverages if you’re uncertain about the safety of your food or drink sources.
Frequent handwashing is an easy way to stay healthy at home and on the go. Washing your hands with soap and water is the best way to eliminate germs, but alcohol-based hand sanitizer works when soap isn’t available. Try to avoid touching your face, as germs can easily enter the body through your eyes, nose, or mouth.
Your primary care provider is the best resource for pre-travel illness prevention. However, if you contract a serious illness during your trip, prompt care from an infectious disease expert may be necessary. SouthCoast Health’s Infectious Disease department is here to help. If you experience diarrhea that doesn’t resolve, a high fever, signs of dehydration, or other severe or persistent symptoms, contact our infectious disease specialists immediately. For pre-travel vaccines or post-travel care, schedule an appointment with one of our providers online or by calling 912.691.3600.
Whether you are looking for a primary care doctor or a pediatrician, or another medical specialist, SouthCoast Health has you covered with its wide range of world-class healthcare services, available throughout the Coastal Empire and Lowcountry. SouthCoast Health has 120 physicians and medical professionals in 18 locations in Savannah, Richmond Hill, Pooler, Rincon, Baxley, Hilton Head, Hinesville, and Statesboro. SouthCoast Health offers comprehensive medical services including: Family Medicine, Internal Medicine, Pediatrics, Allergy and Asthma, Cardiology, Endocrinology, Eye Care, Imaging, Infectious Diseases, Nephrology, Neurology, Physical Therapy, Podiatry, Surgery, Clinical Trial Research Studies, Diabetic Self-Management Training Sessions, Dietetic Counseling, High-Risk Breast Cancer Clinic, Laboratory Services, Massage Therapy, Optical Shop, Pharmacy, and Urgent Care.
SouthCoast Health has 120 physicians and medical professionals in 18 locations in Savannah, Richmond Hill, Pooler, Rincon, Baxley, Hinesville, and Statesboro.
