Information for You

At AMC we see a lot of travelers - people visiting Moscow, and those living here who are planning trips to other parts of the world. That experience has shown us that in the excitement of taking a trip, things can sometimes be overlooked.   This article provides recommendations for business travelers and vacationers going to the common tourist destinations.   People who will be going “off the beaten track” should seek more detailed advice. 

Protect your most important travel asset - your good health.

A. Before

1. At least 4 - 6 weeks before travel, see your doctor to:
   • Review your immunization status. Keep your immunization book with your passport.
   • Discuss how to treat jet lag, diarrhea and other infections you may get.
   • Find out if/and what kind of anti-malaria tablets you need.
   • Ask for a summary of your important medical conditions and list of medications.
2. Make sure you have good travel health insurance.
3. Obtain a large enough supply of your prescription medications to last twice as long as you are going to be away, just in case something delays your return home, or you loose a bottle

   Do not count on being able to get refills in a foreign country.

   If you are prone to certain infections such as bronchitis or bladder infections, carry a supply of the appropriate medication with you.

4. Pack an extra pair of glasses or contact lenses, and sunglasses.
5. Buy comfortable shoes and “break them in” before you leave.
6. Put together a small first aid kit. Ask your pharmacist or doctor for suggestions

Basic First Aid Kit

• antihistamine for insect bites, itchy rashes and allergies
• antacid for indigestion
• medicine for headaches and minor pains
• motion sickness/anti-nausea medicine
• antiseptic
• diarrhea treatment
• sunscreen SPF 15 or higher. Sunburn treatment lotion
• dressings
• scissors
• insect repellent containing DEET

B.   During

1. Jet lag may be minimized by drinking fluids regularly and sleeping on the flight.   When you arrive, try to eat meals and sleep on the schedule of the new country (same with going home).   Certain medications may be helpful.
2. Keep all prescription medications in their original bottles.   Always keep them with you, or split your supply between your carry-on and your checked luggage.   Treat those pills like cash!! Once again, do not count on being able to get refills in foreign countries.
3. To avoid traveler’s diarrhea, “boil it, cook it, peel it or forget it”! Drink only bottled water and sodas or steaming hot beverages (boiled for 5 minutes).   Avoid ice cubes.

   Eat only well-cooked hot foods. Avoid salads, buffets where foods sit out for lengthy periods of time, and uncooked foods.   Fruits/vegetables that you peel or wash with your own bottled water are usually safe.        

   Despite these precautions some people will still develop diarrhea.    Most diarrhea will resolve in 1 to 3 days with the following simple treatment :

   Drink small amounts of liquid frequently.   Choose water, soft drinks or herbal teas, and clear soups to ensure you get water, sugar and salt.   In some countries it is possible to buy packages of oral rehydration mix that have the appropriate amounts of sugar and salt which you then dissolve in safe water and drink.   Avoid milk, and alcohol.

   If you get diarrhea and are also sick - fever, cramps, nausea, general unwellness and this persists for more than 24 hours, you may take an antibiotic, as advised by your doctor.

   Even if it seems to be “going right through” you, your body will absorb some fluid, and that is essential to keep you adequately hydrated until the diarrhea resolves.

4. If you get a cut or scrape, clean the wound well with water and apply an antiseptic such as hydrogen peroxide or an iodine solution. Keep the wound clean and dry. Cover with a dressing if necessary.  

   If the wound starts to look infected (red, swollen, pus) apply antibiotic ointment.

   If the wound becomes worse you may need antibiotics tablets.

5. Wear a sunscreen with a SPF of 15 or more to minimize your risk of sunburn..   Keep out of the sun in the heat of the day.   Cover up - white loose light cotton clothes are best to prevent overheating.    Wear a hat and sunglasses.   These precautions plus drinking plenty of extra fluids and adding a small amount of salt to your food, will also minimize your risk of dehydration and heat exhaustion.
6. Personal safety/security

• be extremely cautious when driving an unfamiliar vehicle in a country where the rules of the road and driving skills of the other motorists may be very different from what you are used to.
• dress down.... leave the jewels and the Rolex at home.
• ask your tour guide or hotel concierge about areas to avoid.

   

  C.     After

   

  When you get home see your doctor if you develop:

• diarrhea lasting more than 10 days
• unusual persistent skin rashes
• an unexplained fever anytime during the first year back.

Other useful information

27.04.06: Preventative Medicine An annual "physical" for healthy adults is no longer necessary. If you have an ongoing condition or feel unwell, see your doctor as often as required, but for the majority of well adults, an exam every 2 to 3 years is sufficient.

24.04.06: Osteogenesis Imperfecta Osteogenesis Imperfecta is a disease with extreme bone fragility. Children with such pathology are often called "glassy" or "crystal".