HEALTH

WHAT MEDICAL SUPPLIES SHOULD I TAKE WITH ME?

If you'll be abroad for an extended period of time and need prescription medicines on a regular or continuing basis, remember that prescriptions written by a U.S. doctor cannot be filled abroad. Bring a statement from your doctor explaining the nature of the drugs being prescribed so that a local doctor can write out the appropriate prescription. You may want to contact the Embassy of the country to which you are traveling to determine whether or not your prescription is restricted. Consider taking a sufficient supply with you for your time abroad. (Be sure to take these in their original packages and with the original prescription.)

Be prepared for the common cold and for stomach and intestinal disorders often caused by changes in diet and drinking water. It might be wise to take along small amounts of medications in case these problems arise; your doctor may suggest which drugs to consider. Remember, however, to be careful about treating yourself, and be sure to seek professional help when necessary.

VACCINATIONS

iNext strongly suggests that you consult a physician before making any decisions regarding vaccinations. Although vaccinations are not always necessary to enter a particular country, the CDC, Centers for Disease Control, recommends that all travelers get booster vaccines for tetanus (Td) and polio (elPV). The CDC also recommends bringing normal childhood vaccines up to date: measles, mumps, rubella (MMR Vaccine) and pertussis.

Remember that vaccinations need to be planned well in advance; begin the process at least 10 weeks prior to your departure.

General CDC Recommendations

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC), U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, has put in place a webpage for U.S. citizens traveling abroad. It pulls together a number of documents that participants can find on the CDC site as well as a few links to other resources.