Pre-Spring Travel Tips from Alexandria Health Department

Spring Break is just around the corner – a time to rest and explore outside of the classroom. If your family is traveling in the United States (U.S.) or abroad, plan now for a healthy trip.  

A month before: 

• Contact your family’s health care provider(s) and let them know that you are planning to travel. They can help you get destination-specific vaccines, medicines and information. Some diseases to be aware of include: 
  • Measles – Everyone should be up-to-date on the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine. Consider the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines if traveling abroad or in the U.S. at home, especially near areas with known outbreaks.   
  • Dengue Fever – this mosquito-borne virus had 2,024 outbreaks in Florida, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. If your destination harbors dengue fever, take steps to avoid mosquito bites. 
  • Oropouche – a virus spread by small insects called midges, has been reported in South America. If your destination has Oropouche, take steps to avoid bug bites. 
  • Malaria – Even if you were born somewhere where malaria exists, you and your family should take precautions and take pre-exposure prophylaxis before travel.  

A week before: 

• Prepare a travel health kit with items you may need, especially items that may be hard to find elsewhere. 
• Pack prescriptions and over-the-counter medicines (pack extra in case of delays). Depending on where you go, you may also want to pack face masks, insect repellent and gear, sunscreen, hand sanitizer, water disinfection tablets and your insurance card. 
• Pack a car emergency kit if your family is traveling by car.  

While traveling: 

• Wash or sanitize your hands often with warm, soapy water or an alcohol-based sanitizer. 
• Use insect repellent on your entire body. Always apply sunscreen first. 
• Choose safe food and drinks. Generally, foods served hot are usually safe to eat as well as dry and packaged foods. Bottled, canned and hot drinks are usually safe to drink. 
• Avoid contact with wild animals.  

When you come home: 

• If someone in your family feels sick, seek medical care. Let your healthcare provider know when and where you have traveled.  

If you have any health questions, contact your healthcare provider, or visit www.cdc.gov/travel.