International Traveler’s Medical Service

Before traveling abroad, you can greatly minimize your health risks by visiting the International Traveler’s Medical Service at the University of Connecticut Health Center. Since its founding in 1984, thousands of travelers have been medically prepared by receiving advice, inoculations and medications. Adequate pre-travel counseling and immunization are essential to avoid unnecessary risks from unfamiliar, "exotic," but usually preventable diseases.

Providing

Up-to-date recommendations concerning the prevention of malaria, diarrheal disease and other travel-related illnesses.
Individualized immunizations.
Printouts for each country of destination containing health and safety information.
Advice regarding the care of chronic medical problems.
Travel health insurance information.
Specialized health care and consultation for travelers returning with health problems.
Permanent medical records.
Official Yellow Fever Vaccination Center.

Tips for Travelers

Plan to obtain necessary travel immunizations beginning 4 to 6 weeks before your trip.
If there is a risk of malaria where you will visit, wear protective clothing, sleep behind netting or screening and use repellents to avoid mosquitoes transmitting malaria. Be sure to obtain and take preventive medication.
Inquire whether any countries on your itinerary are reporting yellow fever, or require vaccination against this disease for entry, by contacting the International Traveler’s Medical Service or your local health department.
Take along a first-aid kit including an extra supply of medications you take regularly.
Carry an extra pair of prescription glasses or contact lenses in case yours are lost or broken.
Be aware of the effects that jet lag, altitude, climate, food or water may have on any chronic illness.
To help prevent diarrhea during travel to developing countries, avoid salads, fruits you cannot peel yourself and poorly cooked meats and seafood. Also, avoid untreated water or ice.
If you become ill after returning home, remember to inform your physician of your travel history.

Common Health Complaints of Travelers
Mild diarrhea	11%
Moderate to severe diarrhea	34%
Upper respiratory symptoms	26%
Skin problems	8%
Motion sickness	5%
Accidents or injuries	4%

Approximately 8 percent of travelers seek medical care during travel, and 12 percent seek care after they return from travel.

Our Team

Our travel clinic physicians are certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine in Infectious Diseases. They have extensive experience in infectious diseases and travel medicine.

Nina Carley, M.D.