Now that global travel is on the increase, there are more health and safety considerations than ever before. The CDC has developed what they call The Yellow Book that provides comprehensive and current information on health recommendations and immunization requirements for international travelers. The CDC also has comprehensive health information that applies to all travel destinations. It's vital to know which illnesses may be encountered in each country so as to get all the vaccinations you or those traveling with you may need.

If you or anyone in your party has altered immunocompetence due to illnesses such as HIV or diabetes, you may need the advice of your doctor before you travel. Special considerations are also important if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or traveling with infants or children. That's why it's important to schedule a visit to your doctor or even a travel-medicine provider.

Vaccinations and Other Health Considerations

You may be able to obtain necessary immunizations at your state and local health departments. If your local departments don't have travel clinics, they are usually able to provide referrals for the area that takes care of vaccines for travelers. In addition, the doctor, department, or travel clinic you go to will be able to answer your questions about food and water safety, avoiding insects, and more. Depending on where you'll be visiting, you should know and understand a variety of illnesses related to that country.

Generally, vaccines need time to become effective in your body, and some need to be given in a series administered over a period of days to weeks. Get the information you need and start on any necessary vaccinations at least four to six weeks before your trip. Depending on your health, age, and vacation destination, you also may need shots, medications, and other information about how to protect your health while traveling, so see your doctor at least a month ahead of time, even if you are not going to be globetrotting.

Questions About Food and Water Safety

Another important consideration is the potential for infections such as Escherichia coli (E. coli), bacillary dysentery, hepatitis A, and other less common infectious diseases such as parasites from consuming contaminated food or drink while traveling. It's also possible to contract respiratory, neurological, and diarrhea diseases as well as ear, eye, and skin infections from inadvertent ingestion of water while swimming or diving in lakes, rivers, oceans, and improperly or inadequately treated swimming pools.

Find out if your destination is lacking chlorinated tap water or if hygiene and sanitation are inadequate. When traveling to destinations with potentially contaminated food and water, you should plan to only drink beverages like tea and coffee that are made with boiled water, bottled beverages and water, carbonated mineral water, soft drinks, beer, and wine and make sure to never consume ice, as it could also be contaminated.

In this case, you also need to avoid milk and milk products such as cheese, salads, and all uncooked vegetables, and to be safe, eat only cooked food that is still hot (never reheat cold food) and fruit that you personally wash in clean water and peel yourself. It's also necessary and wise to brush your teeth with bottled water.

Traveler's Health Insurance

Most health-insurance plans, Medicare, or Medicaid won't provide coverage for any health or medical care received outside of the United States. That's why you should consider asking your travel agent about travel insurance in case you or someone in your family needs medical care while away. Depending on your type of travel, whether you are visiting a developing country or going on a safari, you need to find out what policy is going to give you adequate coverage. Ask about features like 24-hour, toll-free, English-language phone assistance and plans that provide immediate and direct payment to the medical-care provider.