Travel Health

Post-Travel Care

Most travelers return home in good health with a few souvenirs and lasting memories. But if you've been ill, especially while traveling to regions where disease is prevalent, or if you develop symptoms after you return, you may have brought more than just handicrafts home with you.

Many diseases do not show up immediately. Some take weeks to months to develop. For example, 90% of travelers who get malaria do not become ill until after they return home.³ If you become ill with a fever or flu-like illness while traveling or up to 1 year after returning home, see your doctor. Tell your doctor the regions you visited and about any exposure to disease.

In addition to a fever, the returned traveler should be aware of other symptoms. You should see your doctor if you have persistent or intermittent diarrhea, a skin rash or sores, jaundice (typically most noticeable when the whites of the eyes appear yellow), unexplained weight loss, shortness of breath, or fatigue.

If you have been healthy during your trip and feel well when you return home, you probably don't need to see a doctor.

Go to previous section	Go to top of page	Go to next section
Author:	Monica Rhodes	Last Updated: May 2, 2007
Medical Review:	Wajeeh E. Nasser, MD - Family Medicine W. David Colby IV, MSc, MD, FRCPC - Infectious Disease
© 1995-2008 Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated.This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.