Fact or Myth?
The Safety of International Travel

There seems to be a wealth of information about safe international travel on the internet. However, it is important to consider the information source, especially when it concerns health-related vaccines and medications for your travel destination. Travelers' Health Service has been providing information and medical care for individuals and organizations with staff who travel overseas for more than 10 years. These are some common facts and myths we hear from our clients and patients.

Myth: Travelers will not get typhoid fever as long as they stay in an expensive hotel.

Fact:   Salmonella Typhi, commonly referred to as Typhus or Typhoid Fever, is common in most parts of the world except in industrialized regions such as the United States, Canada, western Europe, Australia and Japan. Typhoid is spread through contaminated water or food in much the same manner as Hepatitis A.

While the quality of your hotel may provide some comfort in other ways, it is recommended that if you are traveling to the developing world, inluding Asia, Africa and Latin America, you should consider vaccination against Typhoid as well as Hepatitis A, and follow safe food and water precautions.

Myth:  A passport is not necessary to travel to the Bahamas on a cruise.

Fact:   A valid passport is now necessary to travel to any destination outside the United States. This includes cruises as well as travel to Mexico and Canada.   

Myth:  A yellow fever vaccination is not required anymore.

Fact: Proof of yellow fever vaccination is required to travel to countries where yellow fever transmission may be possible as well as to other countries if you have been to a country where yellow fever is possible. Yellow fever is transmitted in some countries in South America and Africa.

It is important to consult a BarnesCare Travelers' Health expert to determine which vaccinations are necessary and recommended.

Myth: Polio has been eradicated worldwide.

Fact: Polio vaccination programs have been very successful in industrialized regions with consistent vaccine programs, such as the United States, which may lead some to believe the disease no longer exists. In other countries, such as India and some African nations, polio still exists.

If you plan to travel outside of the United States, it is important to contact a travel medicine specialist to discuss the need for an adult booster of polio vaccine prior to travel to certain destinations. 

Myth: Travelers can find all the travel medicine advice they need by searching online. 

Fact: While the internet is a valuable resource for basic information, a consultation with a Travelers' Health specialist will prove invaluable as you travel abroad. They will evaluate your medical history, your travel destination, your accommodations, the most current disease trends in the region you plan to visit, and explore with you any precautions, vaccinations and medications that will help keep you safe and healthy throughout your trip and after you return.   

Myth: I'm traveling in one month; it's too late to get vaccinated for this trip.

Fact: Two weeks before travel is recommended for most vaccines. Some vaccines that must be given in a series may need up to six weeks for completion (such as JE Vax). 

This article was prepared by Karen Moore, MSN, APRN, ANP, BC.