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Please share the word “travel” with as many nurses as possible. They probably think of travel nursing, which gained a lot of attention during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic when hundreds of facilities across the country needed large numbers of nurses. However, if you mention “travel medicine,” some nurses may look at you with disdain.
Travel medicine is a specialty that focuses on the health of travelers, often heading to international destinations. From tourists and businessmen to students and missionaries, being properly protected from health risks while traveling is no easy task, but many people wonder where to start when planning for their health while traveling. I don't know if it's good.
Because it's so common for people to seek advice from nurses they know, nurses need to learn the basics of travel medicine so they can provide the right advice to their loved ones, friends, colleagues, and neighbors. We recommend knowing a few things. Not only do you want to do this, but also to protect yourself when you are abroad.
Travel medicine offers protection in a hyper-connected world
In a hyper-connected world where the movement of people around the world can spread diseases, considering the risks of specific destinations is a wise strategy. And with the recent coronavirus pandemic sweeping the world still fresh in our minds, you may also be concerned about the possibility of other travel-related illnesses.
Despite the relatively high cost of many vaccines, which are generally not covered by health insurance, you will not be protected and will suffer significant costs, such as unexpected but necessary emergency medical evacuations if you become ill while out and about. It can be costly. With this in mind, paid travel medical clinics often fill the gap and provide travelers with the advice and protection they need on their upcoming outings.
In addition to the spread of diseases through travel, several diseases (such as malaria, yellow fever, and Japanese encephalitis) are endemic in certain countries, and some pose serious short- and long-term health risks. There are some things that can lead to.
All travelers should stay up-to-date on tetanus (the CDC recommends every 5 years for international travel) and pneumococcus (as appropriate for age). Influenza; COVID-19 (new coronavirus infection; hepatitis A and hepatitis B; chickenpox; measles, mumps, rubella; polio (wild type or in some countries where polio is present) endemic polio Proof of vaccination may be required upon entry).
malaria: A disease transmitted by mosquitoes, malaria Almost 300 million people are infected and more than 400,000 die each year. Sub-Saharan Africa, South and Southeast Asia, the Pacific Islands, Central America, and northern South America are all target areas for malaria prevention. Protective clothing, pesticides, and drugs to prevent infection are the go-to strategies against this deadly disease.
Zika, dengue, chikungunya: These three diseases, transmitted by tropical and subtropical mosquitoes, can be serious. It is important for travelers to protect themselves from bites, as they cannot take medications to prevent infection.
Japanese encephalitis (JE): Transmitted by mosquitoes with a 25% fatality rate, travelers to Asia must rely on bite prevention and additional options. Japanese encephalitis vaccine.
yellow fever: Another disease spread by mosquitoes, yellow fever virus It is a tropical and subtropical disease found in Africa and South America. There is no known cure or treatment, so yellow fever vaccination and bite prevention are of utmost importance. Some countries require proof of yellow fever vaccination upon entry.
Rabies: Multi-dose rabies vaccines are expensive, but rabies 100% fatal if not treated within 24 hours of exposure (biting, scratching, licking of open skin). In most developing countries, unavailability of blood products that need to be injected directly into the wound or inadequate sterile practices prevent international travelers from contracting diseases such as hepatitis C or HIV during medical interventions. may be exposed to.
Traveler's diarrhea can be very severe.Therefore carries medical grade bovine colostrum Antibiotics are essential in severe cases. (Most doctors in certain countries Escherichia coli There are strains that are resistant to ciprofloxacin and azithromycin is required in those areas).
public health ambassador
All nurses are essentially public health ambassadors, as the public looks to nurses for health advice. Understanding the risks posed by international travel, especially to developing countries, is an important knowledge base for nurses who want to be well-informed.
Although not comprehensive, this article provides a foundation of recommended due diligence for international travelers in a world full of incredible destinations and associated health risks. The importance of proper travel insurance, including emergency medical evacuation, cannot be overstated.
Find your comfort level with travel medicine knowledge and feel free to share it with your friends, family, colleagues, and community members who are avid travelers who need good advice, safety, and health while abroad.
Keith Carlson, BSN, RN, NC-BC has been a nurse since 1996. As a holistic career coach, nurse podcaster, writer, blogger, and renowned motivational speaker, Keith empowers nurses when it comes to personal branding. Professional networking. Entrepreneurship; resume, job search, and interview strategies. Emotional and relational intelligence. personal health. and building a dynamic nursing career. Keith lives happily in Santa Fe, New Mexico with his fiancée, Shada McKenzie, a talented and highly skilled traditional astrologer. He can be found on NurseKeith.com and on the podcast The Nurse Keith Show.
