Health Information
Library
Wellness Centers
Outcome Improvement
Your Family
Interactive Tools
En español
Related Reading
Email This
Print This
Text Size
Text Size
Text Size
Related Reading
Related Items
Articles
An Rx for RV Living
For a Senior Adventure, Get on the Bus
How to Map Out a Safe Vacation
Learning About Healthy Travel
Planning Ahead for Travel Emergencies
View All 10
News
Air Traffic Patterns Predict Swine Flu Spread
Fainting Most Common Medical Crisis on Planes
Health Tip: Have a Healthy Trip
Health Tip: Heading Out on Vacation?
Health Tip: Preparing for a Health Emergency
View All 114
Health Tips
Gender and Geography
How Much Do You Know About Healthy Travel?
Test your knowledge of how to stay healthy when traveling abroad.
International travel may require prophylactic medicines against malaria or a vaccine against yellow fever. How long before departure should you see your doctor?
You didn't answer this question.
You answered
The correct answer is
Some vaccines must be given in a series over several days or weeks, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says. The vaccine for yellow fever may take up to 12 days to develop antibodies.
A.
4 to 6 weeks
B.
10 days
C.
5 days
D.
3 days
Hepatitis A can be contracted during travel to which of these regions?
You didn't answer this question.
You answered
The correct answer is
Hepatitis A can be contracted anywhere, including the United States. Infection is less likely in Western Europe than in less developed countries. Vaccination is not recommended for travel to Western Europe.
A.
Central America
B.
Western Europe
C.
Eastern Europe
D.
a and c
Blood clots can develop in the lower leg during extended air travel. How often should you move around to keep your circulation normal?
You didn't answer this question.
You answered
The correct answer is
If you can, walk up and down the aisle of the plane. If traveling by bus or train, make the same effort. If traveling by car, stop and walk around every hour or so, advises the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. Movement prevents blood from pooling.
A.
every 15 minutes
B.
every 30 minutes
C.
every hour
D.
every two hours
If you become ill while traveling abroad, where should you call for help?
You didn't answer this question.
You answered
The correct answer is
The best choice is the U.S. Embassy. Embassy staff can recommend English-speaking doctors or the best hospital in your locale.
A.
your doctor
B.
the U.S. Embassy
C.
the nearest hospital
D.
your health insurance company
Low humidity and recirculated air in airplanes can cause dehydration. Which of these beverages hydrate the best?
You didn't answer this question.
You answered
The correct answer is
Choose water over the other beverages listed. Caffeinated and alcoholic beverages dehydrate the body by speeding up the rate of urination. For optimum rehydration, drink one cup of water for each hour of flight time.
A.
colas
B.
coffee
C.
alcoholic beverages
D.
water
Which of these beverages would be the safest to drink while traveling abroad?
You didn't answer this question.
You answered
The correct answer is
If you are in an area where water may be contaminated, don't use ice in your beverage, because the ice may be contaminated. It's safest to drink directly from the bottle or can, rather than from a glass, the CDC says. Also be careful of water on the outside of the bottle or can. Wipe the bottle or can dry before opening, and clean the area where your mouth will touch.
A.
carbonated bottled water
B.
canned soft drinks
C.
hot tea
D.
all of the above
Which of these foods would likely be safe to eat?
You didn't answer this question.
You answered
The correct answer is
Avoid uncooked vegetables and moist dishes such as rice that could have been sitting at room temperature.
A.
fresh green salads
B.
cold meat plates
C.
oranges that you peel
D.
rice
Which alcoholic beverages are least likely to harbor bacteria?
You didn't answer this question.
You answered
The correct answer is
Mixing alcohol with a soft drink doesn't kill any organisms in the latter. And the ice may be made from tap water.
A.
beer
B.
wine
C.
alcohol mixed with a bottled soft drink
D.
a and b
Which of these first-aid items should you always travel with?
You didn't answer this question.
You answered
The correct answer is
Keep any medications in their original bottles and carry a copy of your prescriptions, along with a note from your doctor if you take controlled substances, the CDC says.
A.
sterile bandages
B.
antibiotic ointment
C.
thermometer
D.
all of the above
Your score was:
Online Medical Reviewer:
Oken, Emily MD
Last Annual Review Date:
11/13/2008