Understand how to navigate the risks of common viruses and unexpected disease outbreaks during international travel, along with the resources to help keep you informed and healthy.
Tips to Protect Yourself and Others During Travel
No one likes getting sick, especially while traveling. The likelihood of getting sick during travel depends on several factors—some of which you can mitigate with measures like making safe food and drink choices; others are out of your control, like getting bit by a pesky mosquito despite using bug repellant and wearing clothing that covers 95% of your body. Even if you take every precaution, you might still get sick.
Although many food, water, animal, and mosquito-borne illnesses can occur almost anywhere, certain viruses and health risks are endemic to particular regions. And as history and science have shown, some viruses lead to disease outbreaks, epidemics, or, more rarely, pandemics. At a minimum, you should research the common health risks and endemic diseases in your destination, determine how to mitigate those risks, and have contingency plans in case things go awry.
Everyone's risk tolerance varies. So, with all of this in mind, review our considerations, sensible precautions, and resources to help keep you informed and healthy.
General Health and Wellbeing
Be proactive about managing your health and wellbeing abroad. This includes talking with your doctor(s) about any required or recommended vaccines, how you can maintain your current treatments, and any precautions you may need to take given the common health risks and endemic diseases in your destination.
Endemic Diseases
Endemic diseases are consistently present in a particular geographic region. These are diseases you can anticipate, plan for, and take preventative measures to mitigate your risk. Common endemic diseases include cholera, influenza, malaria, and rabies.
Research your destination to learn which diseases are endemic and which seasons, if applicable, pose a higher risk of infection. Weather events and the effects of climate change can exacerbate the situation. For example, mosquitos are thriving in warmer, wetter, and more humid environments, thus posing an increased risk for the diseases they carry.
Next, consider how the endemic diseases are transmitted (e.g., via water, air, bites, or blood) to inform your preventative measures. For example, if the disease is transmitted through animal bites or scratches, avoid approaching and petting stray dogs, cats, and other animals, no matter how cute they look.
How to Get Help
Know the symptoms to watch for and how long after exposure or contraction they can appear. If you have symptoms, it's crucial that you seek help immediately; do not wait. Call International SOS at +1-617-998-0000 or connect through the Assistance App. Timing is of the essence to treat certain diseases. Treatment options, like medications and vaccines, and their availability in your location may vary, but International SOS case managers can advise you and connect you with appropriate resources.
Disease Outbreaks
A disease outbreak occurs when the number of cases and rate of spread exceed expectations for the region (e.g., a sudden spike in mumps cases in New England; or as was the case in late 2019 and early 2020, the emergence of a new coronavirus not seen in the general population before). Response, adaptability, and prevention are crucial measures during a disease outbreak.
How to Stay Informed
If an outbreak occurs in your destination, follow public health directives and take measures to limit your exposure. The situation may evolve rapidly, especially if health officials are learning about a new disease in real time. Monitor trusted sources like the World Health Organization disease outbreak news and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention outbreak alerts. Download the International SOS Assistance App to receive push alerts, and contact International SOS if you need advice, medical care, or to determine whether evacuation is necessary and feasible.
Contingency Planning
For Individuals
Disease outbreaks can have ripple effects that extend beyond the healthcare system. Disruptions to airline travel and ground transportation, food supplies, businesses, schools, social services, and government services (like visa and passport issuance) are just some of the downstream effects.
Increased disease transmission, the emergence of new variants, and the implementation of border restrictions and public health measures on short notice could affect your travels. You may need to adjust your plans or re-evaluate your trip.
In the event of border closures or needing to quarantine, make sure you have contingency plans for lodging and access to food, water, medicine, masks, soap/sanitizer, and basic necessities and services. Budget for these contingencies. Also consider whether a delayed return or quarantine upon return would affect your ability to resume on-campus research, work, or study.
"Do your very best to prepare for every situation... having to quarantine... flights canceled... and then know that there will be many things that are out of your control. ...So are there things you can do to change your behavior to make you safer?" – Harvard traveler
For Programs
Recognize the uncertainty of a disease outbreak and be as flexible as possible with your planning. An individual traveler may be able to make last-minute adjustments whereas an organized program may need to manage more complex logistics and make decisions with several months lead time. Proceed with your planning if it makes sense for you to do so, consider alternative locations, and remain flexible.
Given the uncertainty, know your cutoff date for making a decision. Elements to consider in your decision making include health and safety; what your contracts and agreements with in-country partners may allow; payment deadlines and refund policies; logistics; purchasing refundable flights; and allowing enough time for participants to make alternative arrangements if needed.
Travel Booking, Cancellation, and Reimbursements
If feasible for air travel, buy direct flights to avoid layovers. If there’s a high likelihood your itinerary could change, consider purchasing refundable tickets and/or travel insurance as budget allows. Reconfirm all arrangements prior to departure.
If your travel is paid for by Harvard, consider using one of Harvard’s preferred travel agencies to book your trip. If you had travel reservations for University business, the Harvard Travel Policy allows for reimbursement of cancellation or change fees due to a valid business reason. The policy also allows the purchase of refundable tickets when there is a high likelihood that the itinerary may change and when budget and policy allow.
More Helpful Resources
All content and resources provided in this article are for general informational purposes only. They are not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult with your physician or provider to obtain advice with respect to any medical condition or treatment.
