Health Services
Self Care

Traveling Tips

Many students travel at some point in their college careers, both in the United States and to foreign countries. But trips abroad can take some planning and some relatively simple precautions can prevent many problems and help ensure a safe and healthy journey.

Many things can go wrong on vacation. For example, food and water contamination are common. Boiling water is by far the most reliable method to make water safe to drink. Water should be brought to a vigorous boil and allowed to cool to room temperature without adding ice. Chemical disinfecting is another method; tablets are available in pharmacies and sporting good stores. It may be advisable, however, to stick to carbonated beverages such as carbonated bottled water and soft drinks. Food contamination is most risky in any raw foods. Particularly in areas where hygiene and sanitation are inadequate, travelers should avoid salads, uncooked vegetables, unpasteurized milk and milk products, and undercooked meat.

Malaria is also a concern for travelers. Protective measures should be taken to avoid contact with mosquitoes, such as using mosquito nets while sleeping, wearing clothes that cover most of the body and the use of insect repellent. If malaria is suspected, proper medical treatment should be sought as soon as possible.

Accidents are the most common problem for travelers. Automobile accidents lead the list. Other common accidents include drowning, carbon monoxide poisoning, electric shock and exposure to dangerous drugs. Travelers should check with the U.S. Embassy for hospitals and facilities with English speaking physicians.

There is quite a lot  students can do to avoid some of these problems and many others before they even leave for their trips. One important way is to take advantage of the Travel Clinic available through local hospitals.. This service has a computer program which will provide the traveler with a list of possible health concerns for the countries they are visiting, including required and recommended immunizations, medications and other preventative instructions.

Students should make an appointment in the travel clinic as early as possible before their trip because  certain immunizations require time and appropriate spacing to become effective. Payment is each individual's responsibility, but if it will prevent yellow fever, hepatitis, or even travelers' diarrhea, it will certainly be money well spent.

More Information/Questions
For more information, Messiah students may call the Health Center at 691-6035.