Thorn Tree travel forum

Swine flu

US CDC now has a page on Swine Influenza (Flu), including current Health Advisories.Recommendations will help travelers reduce risk of infection and stay healthy.

This is a thread for discussing the current outbreak of swine influenza. Travelers and locals are invited to post updates and other relevant information

Bites

I've been traveling for the last 6 weeks and have been getting a ton of bites that I'm not sure if I should be worried about.

The worst incident was in Fukuoka, Japan, when I woke up with around 40 bites. Most were clumped together on my arms and lower back so I assume it was bedbugs.

Second incident was in Busan, Korea when I had about 8 bites, all close to each other and on part of my arm that was covered (except when I was sleeping). Probably also bedbugs, right?

Now I am in Beijing, China and have 5 bites on my hands. I am guessing these are mosquito bites because my hands are the only thing that have been uncovered. Are mosquito bites something I should be worried about?

I don't know how to prevent any of this. I am wearing long sleeves and pants during the day, and at hostels I am checking the sheets and mattress before I sleep. I don't know what else I can do. Any ... more »

Disease outbreak map

Health Map

ProMED mail reports:
Created by infectious disease experts at Boston's Children's Hospital, the site aggregates information and plots visually on a world map infectious disease reports that come from a variety of resources, including the U.S. Centers for Disease Control, World Health Organization, Eurosurveillance, published news reports on the internet, and ProMED mail.

You can choose a disease, a date range and more. It's very current, so won't be too helpful if you are interested in, say, yellow fever in South America, as it covers only the last 30 days. But I discovered, rather to my surprise: "There were ten cases of malaria reported across the United States during the week ending October 10th, four of which occurred in Virginia."

Water purification by filtration

I usually use bottled water when travelling and carry a small ceramic filter unit (0.2um) with me for emergency (lack of bottles) or for trekkings. Is it wise to use this filter also for purifying the water that comes from taps in hotels or is this risky ? I know that viruses are smaller than 0.2um but might be removed when the water is turbid, they attach to larger particles. But since the water from hotel taps is usually clear, the viruses could pass through. Better to stay with the bottles ?

Edited by: Raphi

Traveling with Food Allergies.

Hi everyone!

I'm just wondering if anyone has/ does travel with severe food allergies? I have before and I generally find it pretty tough at first, being around totally different foods that you aren't used to, but I eventually get used to it. Anyone have any tips or suggestions?

Edited by: mikefromcanada3

Staying hydrated when travelling

How does everyone get enough water when travelling? I've come across a few issues, like not having a clean glass, not having immediate or easy access to water, not being able to drink the water, or not carrying water with me (my fault yes).

At home I probably don't drink enough water, but I notice that when I travel I hardly ever drink any, which is probably worse for me. I def don't wanna get sick. At home I also have a bit pitcher of lemonade Crystal Light since it tastes better than water and still hydrates me. I bought some of the travel Crystal Light sticks too to put in water. I think this will help on my next trip (thanksgiving). I'm trying to reach that 8 glass a day goal.

So what do y'all do? Any tips?

Do I really need malaria pills and the yellow fever vaccine in Nigeria?

Hello,

In a few weeks I'll be traveling to Nigeria, Ibadan to be more specific. I will not only stay in the city, I'll also be going to a quarry.
The thing is, I'm not so keen on medicines. So now I am wondering, do I really need all those pills and vaccinations? And if I do, which products do you specifically recommend? I am afraid that if I would ask a doctor, he will just try to sell me a product, instead of really knowing what the specific situation is in Nigeria and really judging in my best interest.

Thanks in advance!

• Travel0r

What is your doctor's view on this?

From the NYTimes:
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/11/17/health/17cancer.html?_r=1&hp

I was recommended to make a mammography once a yearsince age 40ish...
Why is it changed now? Does anyone know what makes the difference?