Coping with Illness While Traveling

If you are taking medications, have allergies or have an existing medical condition, UMED's Emergency Record System or Comprehensive Record System should be part of your travel package.  In the case of an emergency, the emergency physician will have access to your medical records 24 hours a day, 7 days a weeks via our Emergency Hotline at 1-800-675-6692.  Click here for more information about our products and services.  If you suffer from an existing medical condition, such as heart disease, you should schedule a pre-travel medical consultation with your physician.  Below is a partial checklist of items you may want to discuss with your physician:

• Review your travel itinerary to plan better for prevention of medical problems.
• Ask for specialized recommendations if you will be staying in areas where exposure to malaria, typhoid, yellow fever, rabies, plague, meningitis and other infectious and tropical diseases can occur.
• Review your medical history and current medications.  If you had a copy of your UMED medical records report with you, it would make this review a lot easier and decrease the risk of forgetting to discuss a particular problem or medication.
• Discuss what immunization you may require and the possible side effects.
• Ask your physician to recommend or prescribe medication to treat travelers' diarrhea, motion sickness, mountain sickness, jet lag and other possible illnesses.

General Safety Tips

• Prior to booking your trip with your travel agent, you should meet with him/her to obtain as much information as possible about the destination (i.e. weather, diseases common to the area, any existing political problems).
• If you are not familiar with the local language, try to learn a few key phrases prior to your departure (i.e. "Which way to the airport?" and "Where are the restrooms?").  If possible, carry a brochure or matchbook with your hotel's name and address so if you get lost you can show it to a police officer or cab driver.
• If you will be renting a car, most major car rental agencies will supply you with maps in advance.  You can then map out the directions from the airport to your hotel prior to your arrival.  If you get lost and need to stop for directions, go to a well-lit public area.  It is always helpful to keep the phone numbers of your destinations with you in case you get lost and need to call for directions.
• As in any country, do not pick up strangers or stop for people you do not know.  Keep your doors locked while driving.
• Be sure to keep your hotel room door locked at all times.  Use all the locks that are available to you.  Check windows, connecting room doors and sliding glass doors to make sure they are locked and secure.
• Don't answer your hotel room door unless you are expecting room service.  Even then, verify who it is before answering the door.  If someone claims to be a hotel employee and you are not expecting them, call the front desk to verify before opening the door.
• Don't invite strangers or people you have just met briefly to your room.
• When returning to your hotel room at night, always use the main entrance.
• When parking in a lot or parking garage, try to park in a well-lit area and be observant of your surroundings.
• When you are in public areas, such as the fitness center, swimming pool, or hotel restaurants, don't carelessly display your keys or mention your room number out loud.
• Don't attract attention to yourself by wearing expensive-looking jewelry or displaying large amounts of cash.
• If you must bring valuables with you or if you have a large amount of cash on hand, put them in the hotel safe.  Do not leave valuables in your car.
• If you see someone who looks suspicious, contact hotel security.
• Upon arrival to your hotel room, acquaint yourself with the location of stairways, fire escapes, exits, and alarm systems.