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Q&A: Staying Healthy When You Travel

The Portland Clinic answers your questions.

Q: AIRPLANES MAKE ME SICK - LITERALLY. IS THERE ANY WAY TO PREVENT CATCHING A VIRUS EVERY TIME I FLY?
A: Your immune system works best when you keep yourself healthy, so your best preventive medicine is to engage in regular exercise, to eat a nutritious diet and to get plenty of rest every day. This also helps with jet lag. Before flying, get vaccinated against seasonal and H1N1 flu. During travel, drink lots of water to stay hydrated. Wash your hands frequently using soap and water or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer. Pack some antibacterial wipes in your carry-on bag and wipe down your tray table and armrests. If you get seated near someone who is coughing and sneezing, ask to change seats if space permits.

Q: I'M HEADING OUT OF THE COUNTRY. HOW FAR IN ADVANCE SHOULD I GET MY IMMUNIZATIONS?
A: Some vaccines have to be given in a series, which can take more than a month to complete. To be safe, make an appointment at least five or six weeks before your trip.

Q: WHAT TYPES OF MEDICINES WOULD BE USEFUL TO PACK FOR AN OVERSEAS TRIP?
A: If you are on medication for a health condition, bring enough to get you through any unexpected travel delays. If malaria is a risk where you’re going, bring anti-malarial medications.

Here are some other items that might be helpful, depending on where you are going:
• Pain relievers (Advil/Tylenol)
• Medication for traveler’s diarrhea
• An antibiotic, just in case
• Saline nasal spray (especially useful in countries with high levels of air pollution)
• Anti-fungal powder or cream
• Motion-sickness medications
• High-altitude-sickness medications

Before taking any new drugs (over-the-counter or prescription), ask your doctor about potential interactions.

Q: FOR SAFE TRAVELS, WHAT SHOULD I FIND OUT ABOUT THE COUNTRY I'M VISITING?
A: Are there any vaccinations that are recommended or required for entry? Is there a risk for malaria? Are there risks for any diseases that don’t have preventive vaccinations or medications? What personal protective measures can you take to minimize risks?

The Portland Clinic’s travel nurse can help provide this type of information, as well as medications, vaccinations and more. Other country-specific information, such as information about crime and security conditions, areas of instability and road safety, can be found at www.travel.state.gov.

Enjoy your travels!