Travel Health and Safety
Expert-defined terms from the Postgraduate Certificate in Global Travel Safety Management course at UK School of Management. Free to read, free to share, paired with a globally recognised certification pathway.
Airborne transmission #
The spread of infectious agents through the air over long distances. This can occur when respiratory droplets containing the agent are expelled by an infected person through coughing, sneezing, or talking. The droplets can remain suspended in the air and be inhaled by others, leading to infection. Examples of infectious agents that can be transmitted through the air include tuberculosis, measles, and influenza.
Antibiotic resistance #
The ability of bacteria, viruses, parasites, or fungi to resist the effects of antibiotics. This can make infections harder to treat and increase the risk of complications. Antibiotic resistance is a growing global health concern, leading to longer hospital stays, higher medical costs, and increased mortality rates. It is important to use antibiotics judiciously and follow proper infection prevention and control measures to reduce the spread of resistant microorganisms.
Biosecurity #
Measures taken to prevent the introduction and spread of infectious diseases in humans, animals, and plants. Biosecurity protocols include practices such as quarantine, vaccination, hygiene, and surveillance. In the context of travel health and safety, biosecurity measures aim to protect travelers from exposure to infectious agents and prevent the spread of diseases across borders. Examples of biosecurity measures for travelers include vaccination requirements, health screenings, and travel restrictions during disease outbreaks.
Chemoprophylaxis #
The use of medications to prevent the development of an infection. Chemoprophylaxis is commonly used in travel health to prevent diseases such as malaria, traveler's diarrhea, and influenza. The choice of chemoprophylactic agent depends on the specific disease risk in the destination and the individual traveler's health status. It is important to follow the recommended dosages and administration schedules to ensure the effectiveness of chemoprophylaxis.
Communicable disease #
An infectious disease that can be transmitted from one person to another. Communicable diseases are caused by bacteria, viruses, parasites, or fungi and can spread through direct contact, indirect contact, or airborne transmission. Examples of communicable diseases include COVID-19, tuberculosis, HIV/AIDS, and influenza. Travelers can be at increased risk of communicable diseases when visiting regions with high prevalence or poor sanitation and hygiene practices.
Contact tracing #
The process of identifying and monitoring individuals who have been in close contact with an infected person. Contact tracing is an important public health strategy to prevent the spread of communicable diseases. When a traveler is diagnosed with an infectious disease, public health authorities may conduct contact tracing to notify and monitor individuals who were in close proximity to the traveler. This helps to identify and isolate potential cases before they can further transmit the disease.
Destination risk assessment #
An evaluation of the health and safety risks associated with a specific travel destination. Destination risk assessment considers factors such as the prevalence of infectious diseases, access to healthcare services, political stability, natural disasters, and security threats. Travelers can use destination risk assessments to make informed decisions about their travel plans, including the need for vaccinations, medications, insurance, and safety precautions. It is important to regularly monitor destination risk assessments for updates and changes that may impact travel safety.
Endemic #
The constant presence or usual prevalence of a disease in a specific geographic area or population. Endemic diseases are commonly found in a particular region and may exhibit seasonal variations or periodic outbreaks. Examples of endemic diseases include malaria in tropical regions, dengue fever in subtropical areas, and influenza in temperate climates. Travelers visiting endemic regions should take appropriate precautions to prevent exposure to infectious agents and seek medical advice on recommended vaccinations and chemoprophylaxis.
Epidemic #
The sudden increase in the number of cases of a disease above what is normally expected in a specific population or geographic area. Epidemics can occur when an infectious agent spreads rapidly among a susceptible population, leading to a higher-than-usual incidence of illness. Examples of epidemics include the COVID-19 pandemic, the Zika virus outbreak, and the Ebola virus epidemic. Travelers should stay informed about epidemic alerts and advisories when planning their trips and follow recommended preventive measures to reduce the risk of infection.
Global health security #
The collective effort to prevent, detect, and respond to public health threats on a global scale. Global health security aims to strengthen the capacity of countries and international organizations to address infectious diseases, natural disasters, and other health emergencies. Key components of global health security include surveillance, laboratory capacity, emergency response, risk communication, and health system strengthening. Travel health and safety management plays a crucial role in enhancing global health security by protecting travelers and preventing the international spread of infectious diseases.
Health promotion #
The process of enabling individuals to improve their health and well-being through education, behavior change, and empowerment. Health promotion efforts aim to prevent disease, promote healthy lifestyles, and address social determinants of health. In the context of travel health and safety, health promotion activities may include providing information on vaccinations, safe food and water practices, insect bite prevention, and mental health support for travelers. Effective health promotion can empower travelers to make informed decisions and adopt protective measures during their journeys.
Immunization #
The process of administering a vaccine to stimulate the immune system to produce antibodies against a specific infectious agent. Immunization is a key strategy for preventing vaccine-preventable diseases such as measles, polio, hepatitis, and influenza. Travelers should ensure they are up to date on routine immunizations and receive any recommended travel vaccines before visiting high-risk destinations. Immunization requirements may vary depending on the traveler's age, health status, destination, and planned activities.
Infectious disease #
A disease caused by pathogenic microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, parasites, or fungi. Infectious diseases can be transmitted from person to person, animal to person, or through contaminated food, water, or vectors. Examples of infectious diseases include COVID-19, malaria, tuberculosis, HIV/AIDS, and influenza. Travelers should be aware of the common infectious diseases in their destination and take appropriate precautions to prevent exposure, such as vaccinations, chemoprophylaxis, hygiene practices, and insect bite prevention.
Medical evacuation #
The transportation of a patient from one location to another for medical treatment. Medical evacuation may be necessary when a traveler becomes seriously ill or injured in a remote or inaccessible area without adequate medical facilities. Medical evacuation services can include air ambulances, ground ambulances, and specialized medical teams to transport patients safely and efficiently. Travelers should consider purchasing medical evacuation insurance before their trip to cover the costs of emergency medical transportation.
Morbidity #
The incidence of illness or disease in a population. Morbidity rates measure the number of cases of a specific disease within a given time period and population. Morbidity data are used to track disease trends, assess public health interventions, and allocate resources for healthcare services. Travelers should be aware of the morbidity rates of infectious diseases in their destination and take appropriate precautions to prevent illness, such as vaccinations, medications, and hygiene practices.
Mortality #
The incidence of death in a population. Mortality rates measure the number of deaths within a given time period and population. Mortality data are used to assess the impact of diseases, injuries, and other health conditions on public health. Travelers should be aware of the mortality rates of infectious diseases in their destination and take preventive measures to reduce the risk of illness and death, such as vaccinations, safety precautions, and emergency preparedness.
Outbreak #
The occurrence of a higher-than-expected number of cases of a disease in a specific population or geographic area. Outbreaks can be localized or spread to multiple regions, depending on the infectious agent and transmission dynamics. Examples of outbreaks include foodborne illness outbreaks, waterborne disease outbreaks, and healthcare-associated infection outbreaks. Travelers should stay informed about outbreak alerts and advisories in their destination and follow recommended preventive measures to avoid infection and transmission.
Pandemic #
An outbreak of a disease that occurs over a wide geographic area and affects an exceptionally high number of people. Pandemics are characterized by sustained human-to-human transmission of a novel infectious agent with significant morbidity and mortality. Examples of pandemics include the COVID-19 pandemic, the H1N1 influenza pandemic, and the HIV/AIDS pandemic. Travelers should be aware of pandemic alerts and advisories when planning their trips and follow recommended preventive measures to reduce the risk of exposure and transmission.
Personal protective equipment (PPE) #
Clothing or equipment worn to protect against exposure to infectious agents. PPE includes items such as masks, gloves, gowns, goggles, and face shields. In the context of travel health and safety, travelers may be advised to wear PPE to reduce the risk of infection, especially in high-risk environments such as healthcare facilities, crowded public spaces, or areas with poor sanitation. Proper use of PPE is essential to prevent the transmission of infectious diseases and protect both the wearer and others from contamination.
Pre #
exposure prophylaxis (PrEP): The use of medications to prevent the acquisition of a specific infection before exposure occurs. PrEP is commonly used in travel health to prevent diseases such as malaria, HIV/AIDS, and hepatitis. Travelers may be advised to take PrEP medications based on their destination, activities, and individual risk factors. It is important to follow the recommended dosages and administration schedules to ensure the effectiveness of PrEP and reduce the risk of infection.
Quarantine #
The separation and restriction of movement of individuals who have been exposed to a contagious disease to prevent the spread of infection. Quarantine may be imposed by public health authorities during disease outbreaks or pandemics to control the transmission of infectious agents. Travelers who are quarantined should follow the guidance of public health officials, monitor their symptoms, and seek medical care if necessary. Compliance with quarantine measures helps to protect the community and reduce the risk of further spread of the disease.
Respiratory hygiene #
Practices to prevent the transmission of respiratory infections through coughing, sneezing, or talking. Respiratory hygiene measures include covering the mouth and nose with a tissue or elbow when coughing or sneezing, disposing of used tissues properly, and washing hands frequently with soap and water or using hand sanitizer. Travelers should practice respiratory hygiene to reduce the risk of respiratory infections such as influenza, COVID-19, and tuberculosis. Good respiratory hygiene can help prevent the spread of infectious agents and protect others from respiratory illnesses.
Risk communication #
The exchange of information about health risks and protective measures between public health authorities, healthcare providers, and the community. Risk communication aims to promote understanding, trust, and cooperation among stakeholders during health emergencies, outbreaks, or disasters. Effective risk communication strategies include timely updates, clear messaging, tailored recommendations, and engagement with diverse audiences. Travelers should stay informed about travel health risks through official sources, follow recommended guidelines, and communicate with healthcare providers for personalized advice.
Safe water and sanitation #
Practices to ensure access to clean drinking water and proper sanitation facilities. Safe water and sanitation are essential for preventing waterborne diseases such as cholera, typhoid fever, and hepatitis A. Travelers should drink bottled or boiled water, avoid ice cubes and raw foods washed with tap water, and use hand sanitizer or soap and water for hand hygiene. Improving water and sanitation infrastructure in destination countries can reduce the risk of waterborne illnesses and promote public health.
Security risk assessment #
An evaluation of the safety and security risks associated with a specific travel destination. Security risk assessment considers factors such as crime rates, political stability, terrorism threats, civil unrest, and natural disasters. Travelers can use security risk assessments to assess the safety of their travel plans, choose secure accommodations, and avoid high-risk areas. It is important to stay informed about security risks in destination countries, register with embassies or consulates, and have emergency contacts and contingency plans in place.
Surveillance #
The ongoing monitoring and collection of health data to detect, track, and respond to disease outbreaks, trends, and threats. Surveillance systems include reporting mechanisms, laboratory testing, case investigations, and data analysis to inform public health interventions. Travel health surveillance aims to identify and assess health risks for travelers, monitor disease trends in destination countries, and provide timely alerts and recommendations. Travelers should report any symptoms or exposures to healthcare providers and follow surveillance updates for their destination.
Travel health insurance #
Coverage for medical expenses, evacuation, and other travel-related risks during international trips. Travel health insurance helps travelers access healthcare services, receive emergency medical assistance, and mitigate financial losses due to illness, injury, or unforeseen events. Travel health insurance plans may include medical coverage, trip cancellation, baggage loss, and other benefits. Travelers should review insurance policies carefully, understand coverage limits and exclusions, and carry proof of insurance while traveling. Adequate travel health insurance is essential for protecting travelers and ensuring access to quality care in case of emergencies.
Travel medicine #
A branch of medicine that focuses on the health and safety of travelers before, during, and after trips. Travel medicine professionals provide pre-travel advice, vaccinations, medications, and preventive measures tailored to individual travelers and destinations. Travel medicine services may include risk assessments, immunizations, health education, and post-travel evaluations. Travelers should consult travel medicine experts for personalized recommendations and preparations based on their health status, itinerary, activities, and risk factors.
Vector #
borne disease: An infectious disease transmitted to humans by vectors such as mosquitoes, ticks, flies, or fleas. Vector-borne diseases can be caused by bacteria, viruses, parasites, or protozoa and are common in tropical and subtropical regions. Examples of vector-borne diseases include malaria, dengue fever, Zika virus, and Lyme disease. Travelers should take precautions to prevent insect bites, use insect repellents, wear protective clothing, and sleep in screened accommodations to reduce the risk of vector-borne illnesses. Vector control measures such as insecticide spraying and environmental management can also help prevent disease transmission.