The Expat Advisor

All travelers should familiarize themselves with conditions at their destination that could affect their health (high altitude or pollution, types of medical facilities, required immunizations, availability of required pharmaceuticals, etc.). The key resource for health information is the Travelers’ Health page of the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) website. The CDC website also provides general guidance on health precautions, such as safe food and water precautions and insect-bite protection. The CDC also maintains an international travelers’ hot-line at 1-877-394-8747 and fax at 1-888-232-3299.

Vaccination, Infectious Diseases, Pandemic Influenza, Foot & Mouth Disease, Chemical/Biological/Nuclear Incidents

General guidance on vaccinations and other health precautions may be found on the Travelers’ Health page of the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) website.

Fact Sheets on foot and mouth disease, responding to chemical and biological or radiological and nuclear incidents, and avian flu may be found downloaded from the Department of State’s Travel website.

Information about pandemic influenza can be found on the Pandemic flu website. This site also carries further information about Avian Flu. Information about infectious diseases abroad may also be found in the International Travel and Health section of the World Health Organization (WHO) website.

Bringing Medications or Filling Prescriptions Abroad

A traveler going abroad with a pre-existing medical problem should carry a letter from the attending physician describing the medical condition and any prescription medications, including the generic names of prescribed drugs. Any medications being carried overseas should be left in their original containers and be clearly labeled. Travelers should check with the foreign embassy of the country they are visiting to make sure any required medications are not considered to be illegal narcotics.

If you wear eyeglasses, take an extra pair with you. Pack medicines and extra eyeglasses in your hand luggage so they will be available in case your checked luggage is lost. To be extra secure, pack a backup supply of medicines and an additional pair of eyeglasses in your checked luggage.

If you have allergies, reactions to certain medications, foods, or insect bites, or other unique medical problems, consider wearing a “medical alert” bracelet. You may also wish to carry a letter from your physician explaining required treatment should you become ill.

Information on filling prescriptions abroad is available at the Medical Information for Americans Abroad web site.