Travel medicine

As a primary care provider, the obstetrician/gynecologist will frequently encounter patients who, for reasons of business, pleasure, or education, are planning international travel. Because the anticipated destinations are frequently endemic disease sites due to poor sanitation, inhospitable climates, or locations, the traveler is at-risk for developing a variety of potentially debilitating conditions or illnesses. It is important that the primary care provider be knowledgeable about travel medicine. This article is an overview of the predominant disease entities and health challenges encountered in international travel with information regarding appropriate health maintenance, vaccinations, chemoprophylactic drug regimens, and treatments, which will enable the physician to assist patients in the development of appropriate strategies of pretravel health planning. This counseling includes immunizations, indicated prophylactic medications, and avoidance of at-risk behaviors and activities. Perhaps the greatest benefit a physician can provide patients is preventive medicine, which may be nothing more than sound medical advice.