More and more people are travelling internationally than was previously prevalent, whether for work or leisure. Therefore, it is becoming increasingly important to pay attention to travel medicine as travelers are prone to acquiring infectious diseases that are not endemic in their home countries. For example, an expatriate in Nigeria is prone to malaria whereas Nigerians in Nigeria are less prone because their immune system is accustomed to the parasite.
Travelers frequently travel to developing nations, and the top destination countries include India, Tanzania, Kenya, Thailand.
Common complaints of travelers when ill include:
- Diarrhea
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Constipation
- Abdominal Cramps
- Respiratory Tract Symptoms
- Skin Problems
- Fever
These are symptoms of different kinds of infectious diseases, and these can be transmitted from one person to another.
Before travelling, do a research on your destination to find out, amongst other things, common infectious diseases associated. If possible, have a pre-travel consultation with your health service provider on health risks associated with travel and how to mitigate them. Your discussion should include:
- Personal protective measures
- Chemoprophylaxis
- Vaccination
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