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Disclaimer
All information is provided for information purposes only and does not constitute a legal contract between the Student Health Center (SHC) and any person or entity.Although every reasonable effort is made to present current and accurate information, SHC and the author make no guarantees of any kind.
This educational presentation is reproduced on this website “as is†and is not a substitute for the health care provider s own judgment for a specific medical or health condition. All patients should consult a qualified health-care professional for advice about a specific destination or health condition.
Because of the ever-evolving field of medicine, new studies or information may have become available after this presentation was developed or disseminated.
SHC and the author cannot be held liable for the use of adapted content from this website. Any adaptation of this presentation must include this disclaimer. BACK NEXT
Introductions (1 of 2)
Purpose
- Will assist you in making informed decisions regarding your health when traveling abroad.
Completion of the program
- Completion needs to occur PRIOR to making an appointment for medical clearance by the Student Health Center.
- Required by the Office of International Studies and the Student Health Center.
Introductions (2 of 2)
Questions
- Must answer all questions throughout the presentation.
Completion
- Should be completed in one sitting
- Answers to questions cannot be saved
- You will receive an email confirmation of completion of this course
- Bring a printed copy of the email confirmation to the SHC at the time of your appointment
Time to Complete Course
- Approximately 25 minutes
Course Overview
- Pre-travel Preparation for STMU students
- Health Risks Associated with International Travel
Pre-Travel Questions
- How do I receive medical clearance for travel?
- What are common health risk associated with travel?
- What are common safety issues when traveling?
- Should I keep my student health insurance when traveling abroad?
- What should I pack when I travel?
Student Scenario
- Annie is traveling abroad to study in Mexico.
- How can she receive medical travel clearance?
How Do I Receive Medical Clearance for Travel?
- Complete Online Travel Health Module
- Visit SHC 4-6 weeks prior to travel for travel clearance appointment.
- Provide Minita Santizo, Director for International Education, the completed travel clearance form after your visit with the SHC.
Question
Annie wants to receive clearance for international travel. Which of the following must be completed prior to receiving a medical travel clearance at STMU?
BACK SUBMITGeneral Health Risk
- Jennifer wants to know what foods and beverages are safe and which to avoid while in Latin America.
Foods Safe to Eat
- Well-cooked meats, fish, veggies.
- Washed and peeled fruits and vegetables
- Nuts
- Canned foods
- Breads, tortillas
Foods to Avoid
- Leafy Green Salads: such as lettuce, parsley, cilantro.
- Raw or Undercooked Meat, Fish, or Shellfish: Undercooked shellfish are carriers of Hepatitis A.
- Unpasteurized Dairy Products: such as white cheeses, milk and yogurt.
- Food from Street Vendors: Flies can transmit diseases if they land on uncovered food.
- Thin-Skinned Fruit: (peaches) or non-peelable fruit (berries)
Safe Beverage Choices
- Hot beverages: such as coffee and tea.
- Canned or bottled beverages: Make sure the seal is intact before opening.
Possible Sources of Water Contamination
- Brushing your teeth
- Rinsing your contacts with faucet water.
- Frozen alcoholic drinks (such as margaritas)
- Fruit juice or lemonade from concentrate
- Ice in your drinks and un-carbonated bottled drinks.
Possible Sources of Water Contamination
- Brushing your teeth
- Rinsing your contacts with faucet water.
- Frozen alcoholic drinks (such as margaritas)
- Fruit juice or lemonade from concentrate
- Ice in your drinks and un-carbonated bottled drinks.
Question
Jennifer is at a restaurant abroad and orders well cooked beef fajitas with a limeade that contains ice cubes. Would this be considered a safe meal choice?
BACK SUBMITDiseases associated with Contaminated Food and Water
Krystalle wants to know what kind of diseases can she get from eating or drinking contaminated food and water while in other countries.
BACK NEXTCommon Diseases of Contaminated Food and Water
- Travelers Diarrhea
- Typhoid Fever
- Hepatitis A
- Cholera
Traveler's Diarrhea
Disease Course
- Begins abruptly. The illness usually results in increased frequency, volume, and weight of stool.
Treatment
- Increase fluids by drinking water and Gatorade.
- Travelers who develop 3 or more loose stools in an 8-hour period, AND associated with nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramps, fever, or blood in stools should seek medical attention.
Vaccine
- No vaccine available
Hepatitis A
Disease Course
- Hepatitis A is an inflammation of the liver that is caused by a virus.
- Symptoms vary and include: fever, nausea, dark urine, upset stomach, yellowing of the skin.
Treatment
- Treatment may include fluid rehydration and monitoring blood work
Vaccine Available
- A 2 dose series:
- 1st dose-Day 0 2nd dose-6 months later
- We encourage Hepatitis A vaccine for all travelers.
Typhoid Fever
Disease Course
- Symptoms may include: fever, body aches and abdominal pain. High fever and excessive diarrhea can develop later on and is sometimes fatal.
Vaccine Available
- Provides coverage for two years.
- Available at Student Health Center
Treatment
- Typhoid Fever is treated with fluid rehydration and antibiotics.
Cholera
Disease Course
- Infection of the small intestine caused by a bacterium. Causes a large amount of watery diarrhea.
Vaccine
- No vaccine available.
Treatment
- Treated with fluid rehydration.
Avoidance of Bug Bites?
Eric does not like bugs or mosquitoes. He s heard they can carry diseases. He wants to know what he can do to prevent bug bites and wants to learn more about the diseases they carry.
BACK NEXT
Insect Bite Prevention
- Wear clothes that minimize exposed skin.
- Avoid dark colors and perfumed products.
- Tuck pants into shoes or boots.
- Use insect repellent containing DEET. Products containing less than 30% DEET are effective for 4-6 hours. (For plane travel buy non-aerosol products.)
- Wear closed-toe shoes.
Malaria
Prevention
- Anti-malaria drugs need to be started before travel, taken during your stay abroad, and continued for up to 1 month after your trip. Several options available.
Disease Course
- Patients with malaria typically are very sick with high fevers, shaking chills, and flu-like illness.
Treatment
- Malaria can be treated specific medication.
Dengue Fever
Prevention
- Prevention of mosquito bites.
Disease
- Sudden onset of high fever, severe headache, muscle pain, nausea, vomiting, and rash 3 to 4 days after onset.
Treatment
- Treated symptomatically with rest, fluids, and acetaminophen to reduce fever. Do not take pain relievers that contain aspirin such as ibuprofen.
Vaccine
- No vaccine available.
Yellow Fever
Prevention
- Vaccine available from the San Antonio Metropolitan Health District.
Disease Course
- Causes flu-like symptoms, liver inflammation, jaundice.
Treatment
- See your doctor
General Recommendations
Karla is anxious about traveling to a foreign country and wants to know if there are other recommendations she should follow.
BACK NEXT
Avian Influenza
Prevention
- The risk from avian influenza is generally low.
- Most cases of avian influenza infection in humans have resulted from contact with infected poultry
Disease Course
- Symptoms vary from flu-like symptoms (e.g., fever, cough, sore throat, and muscle aches) to other severe and life-threatening complications.
Treatment
- Some medications in the US may be helpful.
Hepatitis B
Prevention
- Avoid direct contact with blood or vaginal & seminal secretions of an infected person.
- Hepatitis B vaccination available at the Student Health Center
Disease Course
- Causes jaundice, fatigue, and liver inflammation. It also can cause chronic infection and a co-infection with Hepatitis D.
Treatment
- See your primary care provider
Prevention of Blood, Body Fluid, & Other Illnesses
- Attend to medical/dental needs that require invasive procedures BEFORE traveling so as to avoid contact with contaminated instruments
- AVOID new tattoos, body piercing, or acupuncture
- Update your tetanus shot.
Other Information
- Pre-departure planning
- Travel Risks
- Prevention
- Traffic Accidents
- Reentry issues
Other Travel Questions
- What items should she pack while traveling abroad?
- Why should she continue her health insurance while traveling abroad?
"What should I pack?"
- Vaccination records
- Health Insurance card
- List of all medications including dosages
- First aid kit: Tylenol, Imodium, etc
- Sunscreen
- SPF > 30
- DEET spray 30-35%(such as OFF Deep Woods Sportsman)
Predeparture Tips for Staying Healthy
Plan ahead
- Visit the student health center:
- 4-6 weeks before your trip
- Medical History/Physical
- Discuss pre-Travel Vaccinations
Be prepared
- Continue your health insurance
- Carry enough medications for the time of travel
- Carry an alert card if you have a chronic medical condition
- Follow environmental health precautions
Health Insurance
- It is recommended that you keep your coverage while you travel, because you will not have medical coverage when you return to the US.
- In addition, you will have a break in your coverage; therefore, it will not cover preexisting conditions that occur while traveling abroad.
She's Still Nervous!
- "How can I reduce jet lag?"
- How can I stay safe in a foreign country?
Reduce Jet Lag by:
- Exercising
- Drink plenty of fluids before, during and after your flight
- Eat lightly
- Avoid caffeine
- Don t smoke
- Don t drink alcohol
- Keep naps less than 45 minutes
- Spend time in daylight as soon as possible
- Adapt your meals and activities to those of your destination
- Alter your sleep habits one week prior to departure to mimic the time zone of the country you are going to.
Safety & Security
- Take duplicate documents, leave another set at home
- Seek guidance before walks, jogs, or night excursions
- Avoid isolated areas: Go in groups
- Leave your valuables at home
- Know how to contact the embassy if it becomes necessary
Quiz Complete
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