Baker says of the clinic's 4,000 annual visits, only 5 percent are for post-travel illness. The clinic continues to prepare all types of travelers, including adventure seekers, disaster relief workers, and a growing number of couples headed abroad to adopt. Diseases that are virtually unknown in northern climes are more common in popular tropical destinations. Vaccines for hepatitis A and B, yellow fever, typhoid and other diseases are available. In addition, medicine to prevent malaria can be prescribed.
Most cases are transmitted through tainted food or water, so drink only bottled or boiled water.
Also beware of unpasteurized dairy and uncooked or unpeeled foods. Oral rehydration solution and a short course of antibiotics are prescribed for severe cases. On the day of departure, take one three to five mg tablet one hour before your destination's bedtime. Then take one tablet for three to five nights, before bedtime, upon arrival. Keep medications in your carry-on luggage, take along a medicine kit, and know where to find help in case of emergencies.