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Risk Factors for Travel-Related Illness
Certain factors are associated with an increased risk of acquiring a travel-related illness. They are:
- age: 20-29 years old;
- chronic illness;
- lifestyle while abroad;
- living with indigenous populations;
- sleeping in tents or boarding houses;
- prolonged stay in area with poor sanitation;
- tobacco smoking;
- visit to western Africa; and
- work or study in the tropics.
Sexually Transmitted Diseases
The traveler who practices high-risk behaviors may encounter a number of sexually transmitted diseases. There are 163 countries reporting Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS), and the World Health Organization estimates that there are more than 12 million cases of AIDS worldwide, and up to 100 million people living with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV).
Hepatitis B, syphilis, gonorrhea and other sexually transmitted diseases are widespread. Drug resistance or the lack of effective treatment frequently complicates treatment. Be aware of the risks of these diseases. If sexual contact is possible or expected, bring condoms and use when appropriate. Abstinence is a prudent alternative.
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