Travel to Developing Countries - Traveling with Health Problems

(Page 2)

Recommendations for Patients with Lung Disease. The following are some recommendations for patients with lung disease:

• For reasons of fuel economy, jets now fly higher and cabins are pressurized with up to 25% less oxygen than in the past. Patients with lung problems should talk to their doctors about whether air travel might worsen their condition.
• People who need supplemental in-flight oxygen cannot supply their own and must make arrangements with the airline. This requires a prescription, and the patient must call the air carrier at least 48 hours before the flight. Not all carriers supply in-flight oxygen. None supply oxygen on the ground. That must be arranged separately.

---

---

Pregnancy

Pregnancy alters a woman's immune system. Before traveling to any country with health risks, pregnant women should note the following:

• Avoid live vaccines, unless you plan to visit an area endemic for yellow fever. If you are in your first trimester, you should not receive any vaccines at all.
• Be sure you are immune to rubella (German measles) before taking a cruise. Outbreaks of rubella have been reported on cruise ships; this normally harmless disease can cause fetal damage if a pregnant woman contracts it.
• Take strict precautions against mosquitoes if traveling to countries where malaria occurs. Malaria can be especially severe in pregnant women, and may result in stillbirths or miscarriages. Pregnant women should consider postponing travel to areas with malaria, if possible.
• Use portable water filters instead of iodine tables for purifying water.

Concerning air travel, pregnant women should consider the following:

• Avoid frequent air travel. Although the emissions during flight are generally considered safe, very slight exposure to radiation from cosmic rays occurs.
• To avoid problems during air travel, carry a letter from the doctor indicating the baby's due date. Most airlines prohibit women who are 35 or more weeks pregnant from flying internationally.
• Walk in the aisles during long flights to help prevent blood clots. Wear seat belts low around your hips in case of air turbulence.
• Try to avoid travel altogether if you are expecting multiple births, you have a history of preeclampsia (pregnancy-induced hypertension), or you are at high risk for other conditions such as circulatory problems.
• Radiation from airport security scanners is minimal. However, pregnant passengers may request a hand-wand search.

Review Date: 01/30/2011
Reviewed By: Harvey Simon, MD, Editor-in-Chief, Associate Professor of Medicine, Harvard Medical School; Physician, Massachusetts General Hospital. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org).