Preparing for Travel

In This Section: 
First Steps | Disease and Immunization Facts | Risks
Health-Wise Checklist | First Aid Checklist

First Steps

Health Tip: Certain health conditions can dramatically increase a traveler's risk. If you are pregnant or have a chronic medical condition (e.g., allergies, asthma, diabetes, epilepsy, cardiac problem, HIV infection, etc.) be sure to consult a health care professional prior to departure.

• The amount of preparations required before a trip will depend on a traveler's risk of contracting a disease or illness
• International travelers can be at low or high risk, depending on several factors:

For example:

The Lower Risk Traveler Short-term business traveler's or tourists who stay in first-class hotels in urban centers should have a safe and healthy trip by taking some minor precautions.	The Higher Risk Traveler Travelers going 'off the beaten track' and long-term or backpack traveler's may require a full set of immunizations and detailed medical advice before leaving.

If you are unsure of your risk level, discuss your plans with your health-care professional or call your local Kelsey-Seybold Travel Clinic for expert advice on staying healthy in your specific destination.

If traveling with children, additional vaccines may be required for them. Consult with their pediatrician or Kelsey-Seybold Travel Medicine professional.

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