Health Risks

Your risk of becoming ill when traveling depends, in part, on the areas to be visited, the length of stay, your style of travel, your health, and your vaccine history. In some cases, inter­national tourist destinations are in highly developed areas where you should observe health precautions similar to those in the United States. However, because of differences in living standards and sanitary conditions, food and water safety, and immunization coverage, your risk of illness is higher if you are traveling in developing countries and rural areas.

When traveling, you should carry:

• Insect repellent containing 25-50% DEET
• Over-the-counter anti-diarrhea medicine
• Alcohol-based hand gel (with at least 60% alcohol)
• Sun-block that offers at least SPF15
• Your prescription medications in their original containers (including a copy of the prescription)
• Your travel health kit should remain with you at all times, including in your carry-on baggage.