Travel Medicine: Stay Healthy While Traveling

Travel medicine expert John J. Stern, MD, chief of the Division of Infectious Disease and Chairman of the Infection Prevention Committee at Pennsylvania Hospital discusses the importance of being prepared when planning to travel abroad.

John J. Stern, MD

What is travel medicine and why is it necessary?

For many, traveling can be an enriching experience that opens their minds to diverse ways of life. The memories made on these adventures, can last a lifetime. These adventurers, though, are likely to encounter numerous health risks that many are ill-prepared for.

Our job, as Penn Medicine Travel providers, is to stay current about disease outbreaks around the globe so that you are prepared and able to enjoy your trip. We offer guidance, advice, immunizations, and any necessary prescriptions based on your trip plans.

Unfortunately, traveling to developing countries (or anywhere outside of the United States) can subject the traveler to a small, but real, risk of acquiring one of numerous tropical infectious diseases. Because insects are the most common carriers of the diseases, oftentimes, travelers do not know they have been infected for quite some time. With just a small amount of preparation, the risks of contracting one of these diseases can be significantly lowered.

How can Penn Travel Medicine help?

Penn Medicine Travel providers offer services for all types of travelers. If you are planning a short trip or a prolonged period living abroad, we can help. After you depart for your trip, our physicians make themselves available in the event you become ill and require advice.

We provide a full range of immunizations, such as Typhoid, Hepatitis A and Polio, and are licensed by the CDC (Center for Disease Control and Prevention) as a qualified center to provide yellow fever immunizations. In the event a traveler returns with an illness, our group of board certified infectious disease specialists are ready and able to provide care and, if needed, admission to Pennsylvania Hospital.

Our group has been providing travel medicine services for over 30 years and has cared for a countless number of travelers.

Don’t take a chance on your health. If you’re planning to travel internationally, let Penn Medicine Travel Medicine help you be fully prepared. We are also more than happy to speak with patients interested in our service prior to their visit.

Happy Traveling!

For more information or to make an appointment,
call 800.789.7366 (PENN) or visit Penn Travel Medicine.