The Center for Disease Control (CDC) warns that is more important than ever for travelers to be up to date on their routine vaccinations. These include the influenza vaccine and the measles vaccine, which is the most critical due to a widespread outbreak of measles around the country. While many of the confirmed cases of measles were brought to the U.S. from overseas, the virus is capable of spreading to nine or ten other people just from one infected person. The number of reported measles cases in the U.S. this year is now over 1,000, with over 1,500 people having been exposed to the illness during travel.
The CDC advises that the best way to ensure a healthy travel experience is to check with your doctor on your recent vaccinations. If you are experiencing symptoms like a high fever, skin rashes or vomiting, it is best to reschedule your travel. If you are traveling overseas, you can also let the local U.S. Embassy know about your trip so you will be easy to locate in case of an emergency. When you return from your travels, check for unusual symptoms such as fever and nausea that last more than a few days.
As always, be sure to wash your hands frequently, especially during a long flight, and take care to protect yourself and those around you from airborne illnesses. Stay healthy this season!