Particularly in areas where hygiene and sanitation are inadequate, travelers should avoid salads, uncooked vegetables, unpasteurized milk and milk products, and undercooked meat. Malaria is also a concern for travelers. Protective measures should be taken to avoid contact with mosquitoes, such as using mosquito nets while sleeping, wearing clothes that cover most of the body and the use of insect repellent. If malaria is suspected, proper medical treatment should be sought as soon as possible. Accidents are the most common problem for travelers.
Automobile accidents lead the list.
Other common accidents include drowning, carbon monoxide poisoning, electric shock and exposure to dangerous drugs. Travelers should check with the U.S. Embassy for hospitals and facilities with English speaking physicians. There is quite a lot students can do to avoid some of these problems and many others before they even leave for their trips. This service has a computer program which will provide the traveler with a list of possible health concerns for the countries they are visiting, including required and recommended immunizations, medications and other preventative instructions. Students should make an appointment in the travel clinic as early as possible before their trip because certain immunizations require time and appropriate spacing to become effective.