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Health While Abroad

Physical health - Injuries

Injuries are the leading cause of death among people ages 15 to 24, both in the United States and among its citizens traveling abroad. In this age group, the number of people that die from such injuries is almost three times higher among overseas travelers.

In a study of deaths among Peace Corps volunteers, 70 percent were from injuries, most of them having been caused by motor vehicle accidents. The increased risk of fatal injury may be due to:

  • increased exposure to, or participation in, high-risk activities
  • driving, walking, or swimming in unfamiliar environments
  • different roadway designs and traffic laws
  • absent or inadequate emergency medical services

To prevent injury while traveling, observe the following precautions:

  • Select safe rental cars—don’t use motorcycles or travel at night!
  • Use seatbelts when available.
  • Travel in groups rather than alone.
  • Don’t drink and drive.
  • Don’t drink and swim.
  • Use life jackets while on boats.

Physical health - Illness

People get sick no matter where they are in the world. Routine illnesses (cold, flu, etc.) are common. Illness can also occur because of pre-existing health problems, including asthma, that are worsened by travel. Some illnesses of greater concern can arise during travel, depending on the itinerary, such as the following:

  • gastrointestinal (especially diarrheal diseases)—handwashing is one of the easiest and most important ways to prevent illness
  • psychological (depression, culture shock, stress)
  • altitude sickness (usually mild and non-harmful, occasionally serious)
  • infectious diseases (malaria, tuberculosis, and rabies being among the most serious)—The risk of acquiring an infection varies greatly, depending on the country and region traveled to. Influenza, for example, is a problem in the southern hemisphere during our spring and summer, and can be present throughout the year in the tropics.

Illnesses from travel can also occur even after returning home. Diarrhea is the most common illness reported by travelers who have recently returned from abroad, but other illnesses and conditions may be present. People who have experienced a health problem while abroad or show symptoms of illness upon returning from other countries should schedule a post-travel health visit.

Specific concerns

  • HIV/AIDS and other sexually transmitted infections are much more common in some other countries than they are in the United States. Safer-sex practices and condom use are important.
  • Rabies is common among domestic animals in many countries and is of special concern for anyone traveling to Southeast Asia or the Indian subcontinent. A pre-travel rabies vaccine may be needed.
  • Insects can be a major problem and source of disease (e.g., yellow fever, dengue, malaria) in the tropics. Information about repellent use, netting, and other preventive measures can be found at the CDC travel web site.
  • Jet lag can also be an issue for many students, though time can cure this problem.

Mental Health - Culture shock

Culture shock is a condition that many people experience when first exposed to a different culture. Some common symptoms of culture shock include:

  • irritability
  • overeating or loss of appetite
  • extreme homesickness
  • withdrawal from people who are different
  • depression

Cross-cultural adjustment is a process that proceeds in stages. Therefore, the simple passage of time improves the symptoms of culture shock. There are also active steps travelers can take to ease the condition. Consider the following suggestions:

  • Keep active.
  • Make friends.
  • Exercise.
  • Participate in community activities.
  • Work on language skills.
  • Be patient (time is a partial cure).

In addition, people who have been abroad also commonly report experiencing “reverse” or “re-entry” culture shock upon returning home. The symptoms of reverse culture shock are similar to those of culture shock. To lessen the effects of reverse culture shock, some recommended activities include preparing early for reverse culture shock, recording reflections in a journal, discussing experiences with others who have been abroad, and seeking support services upon returning home.

Keep in mind that cultures can differ greatly and certain things that are accepted in one culture may be considered wrong or even illegal in other countries. Use careful judgment and stay culturally aware of behaviors that may not be accepted, especially same-sex relationships, appropriate dress, or being drunk in public.

Drug use

Foreign travel can increase access to drugs. Be aware that penalties for possession or dealing of illegal drugs are often far more severe in other countries than in the United States. Illegal drug use is a leading cause of legal difficulties for students studying abroad.

Insurance

Students traveling or studying abroad should have adequate medical and evacuation insurance that will provide coverage outside the United States. Basic benefits should include coverage for accidents, hospitalization, emergency evacuation, and repatriation of remains. Many U.S. health insurance policies do not cover care provided outside the United States. Refer to the CDC web site for more information about insurance options.

Contact the UHS Travel Clinic to schedule a travel appointment.