Advice for travelers
Article Abstract:
Physicians are frequently consulted by persons who are planning a trip to a foreign country; typical questions involve immunizations and prevention of travelers' diarrhea. This report addresses AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome), travelers' diarrhea, prevention of malaria, and immunizations. Individuals who are planning to travel should know that they may risk infection with the AIDS virus through blood transfusions, injections that are not sterile, and sexual contact. The chance of developing travelers' diarrhea can be reduced by avoiding consumption of uncooked foods, tap water unless it is boiled, and even ice. Drugs are available that, if taken regularly, can prevent travelers' diarrhea. However, these medications have some potentially serious side effects, and many experts do not recommend this approach. Instead they suggest starting drug therapy at the first sign of diarrhea; effective drugs are discussed. Immunizations can, in some cases, be given a few at a time, but certain combinations must be separated by several weeks. Vaccines made of the live virus should not be given to pregnant women or persons with compromised immune function. Recommendations for the different vaccines are given. There is no one drug that can assure resistance to malaria, but mefloquine is now recommended for locations where strains of malaria resistent to chloroquine have developed (this includes most countries that have malaria). Countries where malaria is present are listed. In addition, protective measures, such as wearing long sleeves and not using perfumes, are also discussed. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)
Publication Name: Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0025-732X
Year: 1990
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Advice for travelers
Article Abstract:
Health hazards and poor hygiene warrant special attention during travel to other countries. The prevention of diarrhea, often an infection with Escherichia coli, requires the avoidance of raw or unpeeled foods, local tap water, and ice. Preventive drugs, such as ciprofloxacin and bismuth subsalicylate, are generally not recommended. Recommendatinos for symptom relief include loperamide hydrochloride and oral rehydration salts. Immunization against cholera, hepatitis, rabies, measles, polio, typhoid, and yellow fever is discussed for specific regions. Malaria drugs and other preventive measures are recommended for travellers to those African, South American, and Asian countries most at risk.
Publication Name: Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0025-732X
Year: 1996
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Advice for travelers
Article Abstract:
Travelers' diarrhea can be avoided by avoiding undercooked or raw food and tap water. Antibiotics can be used when symptoms begin. It is probably not necessary for travellers to be vaccinated against cholera, hepatitis B, or Japanese encephalitis. However, vaccination against measles, meningococcal disease, polio, rabies, tetanus and diphtheria, typhoid, and yellow fever may be prudent, especially when travelling to areas where these diseases are prevalent. Drugs to prevent malaria may also be appropriate.
Publication Name: Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0025-732X
Year: 1998
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