Sunscreen? Check. Passport? Check. Charging cords? Got ‘em.
Protection against diseases?
It’s time to rethink your travel checklist. Make sure your health is part of the plan.
While many diseases have become uncommon in the U.S. thanks to vaccination, sanitation and other prevention measures, there are places around the globe where diseases like measles or tuberculosis spread. Travelers can bring these home.
Some diseases pop up in Snohomish County almost exclusively due to travel. So far this year, the U.S. has seen about double the number of measles cases as the entirety of last year, with most related to travel. Outbreaks can happen within the U.S., so prevention is important locally, too.
Travel also is a likely time to catch common illnesses that can be serious if you’re unprotected, like COVID or flu. You’re around new people, you may spend a long time on a crowded plane or bus, and you can get physically worn down from travel. That all makes it easier to get sick.
Here are reminders to help you travel healthy:
- Make sure you have all recommended immunizations. Start with routine immunizations like MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) or COVID-19 vaccines that protect against severe illness. Depending on where you’re going, there may be additional vaccines recommended.
- Know what’s going on at your destination. This is especially important for international travelers. Check CDC notices for information about disease outbreaks and precautions. Talk to your doctor if you’ll be going abroad to any country with a current travel notice.
- Consider other precautions. Pack a mask to use in crowded, contained spaces. Think through needs based on your destination, like sun protection or bug repellant. Check recommendations before drinking tap water or eating outer skins of fresh fruits and vegetables. When in doubt, drink bottled water and peeled or cooked produce.
- Keep it clean. Make sure you’ll have access to soap and water or pack hand sanitizer.
- Prep your kits. The first kit should have a copy of travel documents, itinerary and emergency information to leave with someone you trust, in case something unexpected happens. The second comes with you. It should have prescription medications you take, over-the-counter medications you may need (like Tylenol or Pepto-Bismol), a basic first aid kit, health insurance information and hygiene supplies like wipes, Q-tips, and sanitizer.
We wish you a healthy and happy travel season. More info: www.cdc.gov/travel
