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Pharmaceutical industry

Preventing Common Illnesses While Traveling Abroad: Expert Recommendations

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

As the spring travel season approaches, health experts at HealthPartners are urging international travelers to take necessary precautions to prevent common illnesses, particularly in underdeveloped countries. According to Dr. Pat Walker, Medical Director for HealthPartners Center for International Health, up to 50% of travelers suffer from travelers' diarrhea, even in high-end accommodations. To mitigate this risk, travelers can follow simple tips, such as drinking bottled water, avoiding ice cubes, and washing hands before eating.

Key Takeaways:

  • The three most common illnesses for international travelers are travelers' diarrhea, hepatitis A, and typhoid fever.
  • Up to 50% of travelers suffer from travelers' diarrhea, even in high-end hotels.
  • Vaccinations are available to prevent hepatitis A and typhoid fever.
  • Mosquito-borne illnesses, such as dengue fever, malaria, and yellow fever, can be spread even in urban areas.
  • High-risk travelers, including those with underlying medical conditions, pregnant women, and small children, should see a travel medicine expert before departure.
  • The best way to prevent illnesses is to avoid contaminated food and water.
  • Travelers can increase safety and security by using seatbelts, wearing helmets, bringing a child safety seat, and watching for traffic when crossing streets.
  • Less than 1% of travelers die from a tropical infectious disease, with most deaths attributed to accidents or underlying health conditions.

Statistics:

  • 50% of international travelers suffer from travelers' diarrhea (Source: HealthPartners)
  • 1% of travelers die from a tropical infectious disease (Source: HealthPartners)
  • 670,000 members receive health care services and insurance from HealthPartners (Source: HealthPartners)
  • 9,800 employees staff various HealthPartners organizations (Source: HealthPartners)
  • Bit.ly/Tap+Categories/ ] (Source: HealthPartners web site)

Sources:

  • HealthPartners Center for International Health (PRNewswire)
  • HealthPartners (http://www.healthpartners.com/)
  • Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (http://www.cdc.gov/travel/)

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