Health beat: Travel smart: Get vaccinated

Before traveling internationally, ensure all routine and travel vaccines are up to date.

More and more Americans are traveling internationally each year. In fact, more than a third of Americans have a passport -- an increase from only 10 years ago. It is important to remember that some types of international travel, especially to developing countries and rural areas, have higher health risks. These risks depend on a number of things including:

* Where people are traveling

* Activities while traveling

* Current health status

* Vaccination history

Vaccines can help protect against a number of serious diseases, including typhoid and yellow fever, that are found in some developing countries. Vaccine-preventable diseases that are rarely seen in the United States, such as polio, can still be found in other parts of the world and measles still occurs in many countries. There were more than 120,000 estimated measles deaths worldwide in 2012, and this viral illness remains a leading cause of death among children in some developing countries. A measles outbreak in the Philippines this year has led to about 40,000 measles cases and 70 people have died from the disease. The United States has seen importation of measles cases from about 20 countries this year. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends all U.S. travelers 6 months or older be protected from measles and, if needed, receive MMR vaccine before departure.

Plan ahead

Talk with a health-care professional when planning international travel, especially if there are any health conditions. Since not all primary health-care professionals stock travel vaccines, people may need to visit a travel clinic to receive the vaccines needed.

Make an appointment with a health-care professional or a travel clinic at least 4 to 6 weeks before any international travel. This allows time to complete any vaccine series and gives the body time to build up immunity. Find out vaccine recommendations and requirements for travel destinations.

When talking to a health-care professional about travel, also ask about routine vaccines. Make sure routine vaccines such as MMR are up to date before traveling.

Check if the country you are traveling to requires proof of yellow fever vaccine. This vaccine can only be given by a registered provider and must be given at least 10 days before travel. A stamped vaccine certificate will be needed as well.

Travel smart and stay healthy

Be a smart traveler by following these helpful hints:

* Be careful what is being eaten and drunk.

* Only eat fully-cooked food that is served hot. This includes fruits and vegetables unless you can peel them yourself.

* Eat and drink only pasteurized dairy products.

* Only drink beverages that are bottled and have a seal that is unbroken (bottled water, sodas, etc.). Do not use ice in any drinks.

* For more information, visit wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/page/food-water-safety.

Bugs (including mosquitoes, ticks, and some flies) can spread a number of diseases. Use insect repellent and learn other ways to avoid bug bites at wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/page/avoid-bug-bites. In malaria risk areas, make sure to sleep in an air-conditioned or screened room or under a bed net.

Wash hands often with soap and water or alcohol-based hand sanitizer.

Don't touch animals, especially monkeys, dogs and birds.

Health Beat is a weekly spotlight on a wide range of health issues. The information contained here was provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. View the CDC features online at cdc.gov/features.