Travel Health
Before Travel
Before you travel, take steps to prepare so you can stay safe and healthy during your trip.
See your doctor 4-6 weeks before travel for pretravel advice, recommended vaccines, and medicines
- Prepare a travel health kit with medications, sunscreen, insect repellent, and a first aid kit
- Check the CDC Travel website for destination-specific guidelines
- Consider travel insurance. Find out if your health insurance covers medical care abroad. Travelers are usually responsible for paying hospital and other medical expenses out of pocket at most destinations.
During Travel
Take steps during travel to stay safe and healthy and avoid experiences that might ruin your trip.
Wash hands often with soap and water- Use insect repellent
- Take care of yourself:
- Stay hydrated
- Select food with care
- Drink bottled water
- Be aware of germs:
- Stay 6 feet away from anyone who is sick
- Avoid crowded areas
- Consider wearing a mask
After Travel
You may get infected during travel but not have symptoms until you get home. If you recently traveled and feel sick, particularly if you have a fever, talk to your healthcare provider, and tell them about your travel.
Monitor yourself for symptoms while traveling and for 21 days after you return:
- diarrhea
- fever
- unexplained fatigue
- cough
- sore throat
- rash
- other severe symptoms
- If symptoms occur, let your doctor know that you are sick and where you have traveled prior to your appointment
- What to tell your doctor:
- Your symptoms
- When symptoms started
- Countries visited
- Activities while traveling
- Possible exposures: foods you ate, water you drank, insect bites, medical care received
Your symptoms and activities while traveling help your doctor determine your exposure and directs the diagnosis and treatment
Resources
- Stay Up-to-Date on Travel Notices (CDC)
- Learn About Advisories for Your Destination (CDC)
- Find International Travel Information (U.S. State Department)
- Get Traveler Advice (CDC)