Facts About Travel and Health

Travel is the motion of humans between various distant geographic locations. It may be long distance travel within a country or in another city or it may be a more extensive traveling to another country. Travel can often be done by car, bicycle, foot, plane, train, bus, boat or other mode, with or without luggage and is one way orround trip. The variety of travel means is immense and travel time is generally very flexible for some people, depending on their needs.

There are many different means of travel, but some of the ways are better than others for various reasons. Long distance travel requires more planning and preparations by the travelers involved than closer local travel. A greater time frame is required for travel distances of more than a day or two because of airfare, lodging and overnight accommodations. Close proximity to a public health care system is also a factor in a short-term or long distance traveling because illness can spread quickly if the traveler is not properly immunized and screened before traveling. Some of the medical symptoms associated with travel to an immediate region include diarrhea, common colds, strep throat, cholera, hepatitis, syphilis and toxoplasmosis.

Quarantine period usually lasts from ten to fourteen days but is regularly longer, especially if travelers have special health needs. Travelers are encouraged to seek immediate medical attention if they become ill within a ten-day quarantine period. Symptoms of a serious virus or bacteria that can easily be spread by airborne means and through touch, such as with the hands, are also considered to be a cause for concern and travelers are strongly encouraged to undergo a viral test before leaving home. This will allow prompt treatment and possible quarantine should the virus or bacteria be found to be present when returning home.