Dr. David Hamer

Traveling for work has its perks – new places, experiences and inspiration – but it’s no secret that frequent or extended business travel can take a toll on your health. In addition to jet lag, stress and less-than-ideal food options in airports and hotels, there’s also an increased risk of exposure to communicable illnesses like the flu and mosquito-borne diseases. With the novel coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2, having spread to thirty countries, taking precautions before business travel is more important than ever. As a communications professional, you may be more aware of diseases in the news and have a better understanding of how you can prevent them. However, a recent survey of 776 adults who had traveled to Asia in the last 24 months revealed that fewer than half had sought care from a qualified health professional prior to departure. If you’re heading overseas, consulting a travel health specialist is an important step in ensuring your health.

Travel health specialists make health care recommendations based on itinerary, season and other risk factors related to where you are traveling, and are well versed in the prevention of diseases common to specific global regions, such as typhoid, yellow fever or Japanese encephalitis. They can provide detailed itinerary-specific counseling, prescribe any necessary medications and administer vaccines for diseases endemic to countries around the globe. Anyone who will be traveling abroad can benefit from a visit to a travel health specialist, especially those who will be overseas for an extended period of time, such as expatriates, frequent business travelers, students, the military and volunteers. Even for short trips abroad, your travel plans can play a part in your overall risk of contracting a disease. It’s also important to consult a specialist well before take-off, as some vaccines should be administered at least thirty days before travel.

There are some simple steps you can take before your next business trip that will help to keep you healthy and at peak performance.

• Depending on your destination, the weather can differ greatly by time of year and region, so bring clothing that suits the temperature.

• Hydrate! Drinking enough water before, during and after your flight can help ease some common jet lag symptoms.

• Pack the essentials – while in many countries you’ll have easy access to common healthcare products, it’s best to be prepared and stock over-the-counter medications to treat a headache, upset stomach or motion sickness. Sunscreen and a basic first-aid kit are also recommended.

• Many diseases are transmitted by insects – use insect repellent, wear protective clothing, carry a mosquito net and get vaccinated if you are at increased risk of exposure.

• Play it safe and ask the experts. A visit to a travel health specialist can provide destination-specific advice on foodborne pathogens, drinking water, medications and vaccines.

By following these guidelines, you can lower the risk to your health while ensuring your next business trip will be as productive as possible.

About the Author:

Dr. David Hamer is a board-certified specialist in infectious diseases, with a particular interest in travel medicine and tropical infectious diseases with 30 years of experience in travel medicine. He's also a Professor of Global Health and Medicine at the Boston University Schools of Public Health and Medicine, a faculty member at the National Emerging Infectious Diseases Laboratory and an Adjunct Professor of Nutrition at the Tufts University Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy.