Physician Expert Advises on Health Precautions for Busy Summer Travel Season
Photo Credit: ACOFP
CHICAGO, June 29, 2023 (VSNewsNetwork.com) - As a predicted record-breaking summer travel season is underway, a physician from the American College of Osteopathic Family Physicians (ACOFP) is urging travelers to ensure their health with careful preparation and prevention.
Dr. Shirley L. Sharp, a family and emergency medicine board-certified physician at the Medical College of Georgia, recently addressed the ACOFP annual convention, offering expert travel preparation advice. Dr. Sharp emphasized the need for travelers to be aware of potential health hazards at their destinations and to consult with primary care physicians about necessary vaccinations and medical care plans for high-risk chronic conditions.
In her recommendations for safe summer travel, Dr. Sharp advises the following:
Consider altitude: For high-altitude destinations, travelers should consult with their physicians. A slow ascent is suggested to mitigate altitude sickness symptoms, including headache, nausea, or fatigue.
Pack sunscreen and mosquito protection: Use broad-spectrum SPF 50 or higher sunscreen and wear long-sleeved shirts and pants for protection against the sun and insects. She also suggests using DEET mosquito repellents and nets in tick-prone areas.
Use N95 masks for wildfire smoke protection: Given the widespread wildfires and poor indoor air quality, Dr. Sharp recommends packing an N95 mask.
Take red tide precautions: Toxic red tides, forecasted for Florida and parts of Texas, can lead to respiratory issues and skin and eye irritation. Consuming shellfish from these areas can result in shellfish poisoning.
Ensure clean drinking water: Dr. Sharp warns against drinking unfiltered water while hiking or camping. Boiling or using a certified portable filter can prevent traveler's diarrhea.
Pack essential medications and personal items: Prescription medications, over-the-counter drugs, band-aids, anti-itch ointments, hand sanitizer, and home remedies such as aloe vera gel, ice packs, baking soda, and calamine lotion are recommended.
Prioritize personal safety: Stay alert and consult the U.S. Department of State website for any travel advisories.
Understand international travel requirements: Before international travel, check for required vaccinations, particularly when traveling to Africa, Southeast Asia, Central, and South America.
View the original list here.
Dr. Sharp stresses that careful preparation and prevention are paramount for health and wellness, especially when traveling. For more information, visit www.acofp.org.
Source: ACOFP via Newswire
