health

Travelers can take precautions to reduce their risk of contracting a disease
while abroad. Experts offer the following tips for staying healthy:

• Do not swim, wade, or bathe in freshwater sources, the ocean near
  beaches that are contaminated with human feces, or pools that are
  not chlorinated.
• Use only bottled water or water that has been boiled for drinking
  and brushing teeth.
• Avoid drinks containing ice, as the ice may be from unsafe water.
  Canned or bottled beverages are the safest drinks. Carefully wiping
  the top of the can or bottle before drinking from it may help
  remove disease-causing agents.
• Do not eat raw foods, particularly meat and salad. Avoid raw fruits
  and vegetables unless you peel them yourself.
• Avoid shellfish and other fish, which can be toxic at certain times
  of the year even if they have been cooked.
• Do not eat foods that are bought from street vendors.
• Avoid unpasteurized milk (milk that has not been processed with
  heat to kill parasites and bacteria) and dairy products.
• Prevent insect bites by wearing long sleeves and long pants in light
  colors so the insects can be seen easily.
• Use repellent and sleep under mosquito netting.
• Stay inside at times when biting insects are most active, mostly
  dawn and dusk.

Vaccination

Prophylaxis* is especially important for preventing certain
illness, such as malaria. Individuals traveling to areas of the world
that are considered to be high-risk for contracting malaria, typically take
prophylactic medication to prevent malaria. Special travel medicine clinics
provide advice on specific disease patterns depending on the destination
and offer appropriate vaccinations* and prophylaxis.
Depending on the destination and the length of the planned trip,
travelers may receive immunizations for hepatitis, meningococcal infection,
typhoid fever, or yellow fever, as well as any vaccinations in the
regular immunization schedule that the person may have missed or may
need to renew, such as those for diphtheria and tetanus. If someone plans
to travel abroad, it is important to discuss travel plans with a doctor so
that any necessary vaccinations can be given.