Coronavirus: Advice from the Innovative Express Care Travel Medicine Team
If you’ve seen the news recently, you’ve no doubt heard about the new coronavirus outbreak in China that has spread to several other countries, including the United States. Should we panic? No. Do you need to cancel any and all International travel plans? No. However, general precautions should always be taken to prevent the spread of illness, and the CDC is recommending that people avoid all nonessential travel to Wuhan, China. Below is information on coronavirus and tips from the Innovative Express Care travel medicine team for those traveling abroad.
What is a coronavirus?
Coronavirus refers to are a large group of viruses that are common in animals. In rare cases, these viruses can spread to humans. Typically, a coronavirus presents with mild to moderate upper respiratory symptoms, like a common cold. The new coronavirus is believed to be developing into pneumonia for many patients. Patients with weakened immune systems and older adults are the most at risk.
Is coronavirus active in the United States?
There has been confirmed activity in the United States and the situation is rapidly evolving. The CDC has initiated health screenings for travelers coming to the United States from China, to prevent the spread of illness.
I travel abroad for work. Are there any precautions I should take?
The CDC has raised the alert level to “Level 3, Avoid Nonessential Travel” in response to the outbreak. Their site lists several tips for people traveling to the Wuhan region of China, and symptoms to look for in people who recently visited the country. The CDC is closely monitoring Coronavirus activity and lists the latest information, including risk assessment and travel advice on their website.
Anytime you are planning a trip abroad, it’s good to consult with a travel medicine physician who can share region-specific health information. They will advise you on any precautions to take prior, or during your trip.
About Innovative Express Care Travel Medicine
As an Innovative Express Care travel medicine patient, you will receive one-to-one counseling from a trained medical professional whose specializes in travel medicine and immunizations. We have the most up-to-date travel health information from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), World Health Organization (WHO), and world health surveillance sources who monitor outbreaks and other health hazards.
Travel medicine patients receive an official immunization record to keep with their travel documents. We’ll also provide you with a personalized itinerary with specific health and travel information for the countries on your itinerary, consular information, general travel advice, and tips for avoiding common illnesses.
Our travel medicine services include:
- Vaccines for travel
- Dengue fever prevention
- Malaria prevention and medication
- Traveler’s diarrhea prevention and medication
- Destination warnings and alerts
- Telemedicine consults if you get sick while you are traveling
