Most people return home from traveling with dozens of photos, a few souvenirs and a lot of memories. But other travelers aren’t so lucky. They may manage to escape common illnesses such as traveler’s diarrhea or a sore throat while working or vacationing outside the United States. However, when they return home they begin to feel rundown or develop an illness that lingers long after the jetlag is gone.
There are three symptoms of illness that travelers should talk about if experienced after travel: persistent diarrhea, skin rashes and fever.
Diarrhea after travel is not unusual as the body readjusts to routines, foods and sleep schedules. Most cases of traveler’s diarrhea respond to home care, such as eating mild food, drinking more water, avoiding alcohol and caffeine, and eating food such as cheese and yogurt that contain probiotics. However, anyone who has persistent diarrhea should see a doctor. Persistent diarrhea also can be a symptom of an infection caused by consuming contaminated water, and may require prescription medicine to treat. Travelers should remember that even in some parts of Europe, tap water may not be safe to drink, particularly in rural areas.
Skin rashes that develop after traveling should also be examined by a doctor. Bacterial skin infections caused by insect bites, scabies and other skin conditions are often seen in travelers after they return to the United States. Skin rashes or lesions that are accompanied by a fever can be a sign of a serious illness, such as dengue or chikungunya.
Fever can be a sign of malaria. If a traveler has visited a country where malaria is a concern and develops a fever after returning home, he or she should contact a doctor immediately. Malaria can be a life-threatening disease that is typically transmitted to humans through the bite of an infected mosquito. Even travelers who take antimalarial medication can still develop malaria because no treatment is 100 percent effective. In most cases, malarial symptoms develop within 30 days of exposure, but the disease can linger dormant in the body for a year or more. For that reason, travelers should make their doctors aware of their travel history, even if weeks or months have passed since they traveled outside the United States.
Of course, one of the most common illnesses contracted during travel is simply upper respiratory tract infections. Travelers can help protect themselves from URI’s and other common viral infections by staying hydrated, washing their hands frequently, and using germ-killing mouthwash.
How to Find an Air Medical Escort if Needed
Some illnesses that are contracted during travel may require immediate treatment, or may be severe enough to interrupt travel plans. Travelers who cannot receive the treatment they need to recover while away from home may require medical transport to a nearby medical facility or to the medical center nearest their home. SentinelMED provides medical transport, medical repatriation, and medical escort services to help navigate the complexities of long-distance travel for sick or elderly patients.
The SentinelMED team can arrange door-to-door care and transportation from discharge at a hospital or medical facility to a receiving health care facility or to a family member who is able to assume their care. For patients who do not have a family member or friend to travel with them, an air medical escort can make it possible to travel in comfort and arrive home safely.
The SentinelMED team understands the complexity of delivering exceptional care to patients who need assistance during travel. Please contact us to learn more about the air medical escort services that SentinelMED offers or its staff.
