Summer is the peak season for international travel, and for many families across the Mahoning Valley and Northeast Ohio, that means long-awaited trips abroad. Whether you’re heading to Europe, Central America, the Caribbean or beyond, crossing international borders introduces health risks that most travelers do not encounter at home.
According to the CDC, 43% to 79% of travelers to low- and middle-income countries experience a travel-related illness during or after their trip. While most cases are mild, some require medical care and a small number become serious. The best protection is preparation and that starts well before you board a plane. Here’s what every traveler should know before, during and after an international trip.
Before You Go: Prepare for a Healthy Trip
Schedule a Pre-Travel Health Visit
One of the most important—and most frequently overlooked—steps in international travel preparation is a pre-travel visit with your primary care provider. The CDC recommends scheduling this appointment at least one month before departure to discuss recommended vaccinations, prescription medications, and any destination-specific health concerns.
During your visit, share your full itinerary, the type of accommodations you have planned, your travel style (cruise, adventure, business), the length of your trip and any special health conditions such as pregnancy, allergies or chronic health problems. This allows your provider to give targeted recommendations rather than generic ones. The more your provider knows about your plans, the more personalized their recommendations can be.
Even if your trip is only days away, don’t skip the appointment. Travelers can still benefit from guidance on vaccines, medications, and preventive health measures.
Get the Right Vaccines
Before traveling internationally, confirm that you’re current on all routine vaccinations, including measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), tetanus, influenza and any others recommended for your age.
Depending on your destination, additional vaccines may be recommended—or even required—for entry. These may include vaccines for:
- Yellow fever
- Typhoid
- Hepatitis A
- Meningococcal disease
If a yellow fever vaccine is required, it must be given at least 10 days before travel and can only be administered at designated vaccination centers. A pre-travel visit is also a great opportunity to catch up on any overdue immunizations before you leave.
Review Your Medications & Build a Travel Health Kit
Talk to your provider about any prescription medications you take regularly. Ensure you have an adequate supply for the full duration of your trip, including extra days in case of travel delays. Keep medications in their original, labeled containers and carry them in your carry-on bag rather than checked luggage.
Ask your provider whether you should bring medications for common travel concerns, such as traveler’s diarrhea, motion sickness or altitude sickness. A basic travel health kit should include:
| Item | Purpose |
| Prescription medications (extra supply) | Ongoing health management |
| Hand sanitizer | Helps reduce the spread of germs |
| Pain reliever / fever reducer | Treats minor illness or discomfort |
| Broad-spectrum sunscreen (SPF 30+) | UV protection |
| Antidiarrheal medication | Manages traveler’s diarrhea |
| Oral rehydration salts | Fluid and electrolyte replacement |
| Insect repellent (DEET-based) | Mosquito and tick-born illness prevention |
| Copies of prescriptions and medical records | Emergency care access |
| Travel health insurance information | Accessing care abroad |
During Your Trip: Staying Healthy on the Road
Food & Water Safety
The most common health problem international travelers face is gastrointestinal illness. Traveler’s diarrhea is the most predictable travel-related illness, with attack rates ranging from 30% to 70% of travelers over a two-week period depending on the destination and season of travel. The highest-risk destinations include parts of Asia, the Middle East, Africa, Mexico and Central and South America.
Fortunately, a few simple precautions can significantly lower your risk.
- Drink only bottled, boiled or properly treated water—including water used for brushing teeth.
- Avoid ice in beverages unless certain it was made with purified water.
- Choose foods that are fully cooked and served hot.
- Avoid raw or undercooked meat, seafood or eggs.
- Be cautious with fresh fruits and vegetables. Choose fruits you can peel yourself.
- Avoid food from street vendors if sanitation standards are unclear.
- Wash hands thoroughly and frequently, especially before eating and after using the restroom.
If you develop diarrhea during your trip, stay well hydrated with bottled water or oral rehydration solution. Seek medical attention if you develop a fever over 102°F, bloody stools, signs of severe dehydration or vomiting that does not stop.
Protect Yourself from Insect-Borne Illnesses
Many international destinations carry a risk of mosquito-borne illnesses including malaria, dengue fever, Zika virus and others. Use an EPA-registered insect repellent containing DEET, picaridin or oil of lemon eucalyptus on exposed skin, and apply it consistently, especially at dawn and dusk when mosquito activity peaks. Wear long sleeves and pants when in high-risk environments, and sleep under insecticide-treated bed nets when staying in areas with limited window screens or air conditioning.
If your destination requires malaria prophylaxis medication, take it exactly as prescribed, including after you return home.
Be Sun & Heat Smart
International summer travel often means more sun exposure, unfamiliar heat levels and physical activity in new climates. Apply a broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher sunscreen daily, reapplying every two hours and after swimming or excessive sweating. Drink plenty of water throughout the day and take breaks in the shade during periods of intense heat.
In regions with extreme heat or high humidity, watch for signs of heat exhaustion such as heavy sweating, weakness or dizziness. Move to a cool, shaded area immediately, hydrate and seek medical attention if symptoms worsen.
Protect Yourself During Long Flights
Long-haul flights, particularly those lasting more than four hours, can increase the risk of blood clots including deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism. Reduce this risk by standing up and moving around the cabin periodically, doing simple leg stretches in your seat, staying well hydrated and wearing compression socks if your provider recommends them.
If you have a history of blood clots, recent surgery, heart disease, or other risk factors, discuss your travel plans with your provider before departure.
After You Return: What to Watch For
Some travel-related illnesses do not appear immediately. Symptoms can develop days or even weeks after returning home, so it’s important to pay attention to how you feel in the period following international travel.
When to See a Healthcare Provider
Seek medical care promptly if you develop any of the following after returning from international travel:
- Fever, chills or sweats (especially within weeks of travel to a malaria-risk region)
- Persistent diarrhea, vomiting or abdominal cramping
- Skin rashes, sores or unexplained changes
- Jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes)
- Difficulty breathing or chest pain
- Swollen lymph nodes
Be sure to tell your healthcare provider where you traveled, how long you were there and any activities that may have increased your risk of illness. That information can be critical in identifying travel-related diseases quickly.
Managing Jet Lag & Fatigue
Crossing multiple time zones disrupts your body’s natural sleep cycle. Give yourself time to adjust after returning home. Prioritize sleep, stay well hydrated, limit caffeine and alcohol during recovery, and get back to a consistent sleep schedule as quickly as possible. Most people adjust within a few days, but those with demanding schedules or underlying health conditions may need a few extra days to fully recover.
Travel Prepared, Return Healthy
International travel offers incredible opportunities to explore new places and create lasting memories. With a little preparation, you can greatly reduce your risk of illness and focus on enjoying your trip. Scheduling a pre-travel appointment with your provider, staying current on vaccines, practicing food and water safety, and knowing what to watch for when you return are the most impactful steps you can take.
If you’re planning an international trip this summer and would like to discuss your health needs before you go, the primary care providers at Southwoods Health are here to help. Our team serves patients across the Mahoning Valley and Northeast Ohio, and we are committed to helping you stay healthy wherever your travels take you.