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Bureau of Export Development
PO Box 7970
Madison, WI 53707-7970
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Vol.
8 #5, May 2009
Staying Healthy While Traveling
The outbreak of Swine Flu serves as a reminder that international
business travelers can be exposed to both common and exotic illnesses
during otherwise routine trips. Our increased mobility has meant
that contagious diseases can spread worldwide very quickly and
travelers can bring back more than a signed contract and a few
souvenirs for the family.
Prior to traveling to any part of the world, it is a good idea to check
what health concerns exist there and assess your risks. The
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention maintain information on
health issues in over 100 countries around the world at http://wwwn.cdc.gov/travel/destinationList.aspx.
The site includes information on steps that can be taken before a trip
such as getting vaccines for diseases to which you could be exposed,
tips on staying healthy while traveling, and what to do if you are
injured or become ill abroad. The site also has links to travel
clinics in the United States that can help you prepare for an
international trip.
While you can plan ahead and take precautions to reduce some risks,
some diseases can catch travelers unprepared. If you become ill
or are injured abroad, the U.S. embassy or consulate can provide a list
of local physicians and medical facilities. Consular officers can
help you contact family or friends. If necessary, a consul can
assist in the transfer of funds from family or friends in the United
States, but payment of medical expenses is your responsibility.
The U.S. State Department will issue Travel Alerts
and U.S. embassies will issue Warden Messages to update U.S. citizens
traveling abroad to emergencies and rapidly changing situations.
Warden Messages will be posted on Embassy websites.
Registering with a U.S. Embassy or Consulate makes your presence and
whereabouts known, in case it is necessary for a consular officer to
contact you in an emergency. During a disaster overseas, U.S. consular
officers can assist in evacuation were that to become necessary, but
they cannot provide assistance if they do not know where you are.
Travelers also need to remember that symptoms of some illnesses take
some time to manifest themselves and you may be home before you feel
sick. Always alert your physician to places that you have visited
when seeking treatment.
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