How Much Do You Know About International Travel and Health?
Test your knowledge of how to stay healthy when traveling abroad.
1. International travel may require prophylactic medicines and vaccines. How long before departure should you see your healthcare provider?
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Some vaccines must be given in a series over several days or weeks. You should see your provider as early as possible before your departure to find out what medicines or vaccines are advised and allow enough time for them to be given.
2. Hepatitis A may be contracted during travel to which of these regions?
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Hepatitis A can be contracted anywhere, including the U.S.
3. Blood clots can develop in the lower leg during extended travel by air or motor vehicle. How often should you move around to keep your circulation normal?
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If you can, walk up and down the aisle of the plane. If traveling by bus or train, make the same effort. If traveling by car, stop and walk around every 2 to 3 hours, the CDC says. While seated, you can move your legs and stretch and flex your feet, which improves blood flow in your calves. Movement prevents blood from pooling. Wearing compression stockings and loose, comfortable clothing can reduce the risk of developing a blood clot. So can sitting in an aisle seat.
4. If you become ill while traveling abroad, where should you call for help?
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The best choice is the U.S. Embassy. Embassy staff can advise you on English-speaking healthcare providers or the best hospital in your locale.
5. Low humidity and recirculated air in airplanes can cause dehydration. Which of these beverages hydrate the best?
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Choose water over the other beverages listed. Caffeinated and alcoholic beverages dehydrate the body by speeding up the rate of urination. For optimum rehydration, drink 1 cup of water for each hour of flight time.
6. Which of these beverages would be the safest to drink while traveling abroad?
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If you are in an area where water may be contaminated, don't use ice in your beverage, because the ice may be contaminated. It's safest to drink directly from the bottle or can, rather than from a glass, the CDC says. Also be careful of water on the outside of the bottle or can. Wipe the bottle or can dry before opening, and clean the area where your mouth will touch.
7. Which of these foods would likely be safe to eat in a rural area of southeast Asia?
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Stay away from uncooked vegetables and moist dishes such as rice that could have been sitting at room temperature. Also, eat fruits and vegetables that you can peel. This is safer than eating those that you can't peel.
8. Which of these first-aid items should you always travel with?
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Keep any medications in their original bottles and carry a copy of your prescriptions, along with a note from your healthcare provider if you take controlled substances. If you have a complicated or unstable health condition such as irregular heart rate or a serious respiratory disease, consider asking your provider for a letter that explains your condition and the treatment approaches that have worked.
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