Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
We have to stress:
A simple visit to the doctor's office can cost hundreds of dollars,
and a hospital stay will cost thousands
if you aren't covered by insurance.
Health Care
If you have a medical emergency, go to the emergency room of the nearest hospital.
If you need any kind of emergency assistance, such as police, ambulance or firefighters,
call 911. This is a free call from any phone.
If the problem isn't urgent, call a nearby hospital and ask for a referral to a local physi-
cian; this is usually cheaper than a trip to the emergency room.
Stand-alone, for-profit urgent-care centers provide good service, but can be the most ex-
pensive option.
Medications
Bring any medications you may need in their original containers, clearly labeled.
A signed, dated letter from your physician that describes all of your medical conditions
and medications (including generic names) is also a good idea.
Pharmacies are abundantly supplied. However, some medications that are available over
the counter in other countries require a prescription in the US.
If you don't have insurance to cover the cost of prescriptions, these can be shockingly
expensive.
Infectious Diseases
In addition to more-common ailments, there are several infectious diseases that are un-
known or uncommon outside North America. Most are acquired by mosquito or tick bites.
Giardiasis
Also known as traveler's diarrhea. A parasitic infection of the small intestines,
typically contracted by drinking feces-contaminated freshwater. Never drink untreated
stream, lake or pond water. Easily treated with antibiotics.
HIV/AIDS
As do all sexually transmitted diseases, HIV infection occurs in the US. Use a
condom for all sexual encounters.
Lyme Disease
Though more common in the US northeast than in Florida, Lyme disease
occurs here. It is transmitted by infected deer ticks, and is signaled by a bull's-eye rash at
the bite and flulike symptoms. Treat promptly with antibiotics. Removing ticks within 36
hours can avoid infection.
Rabies
Though rare, the rabies virus can be contracted from the bite of any infected anim-
al; bats are most common, and their bites are not always obvious. If bitten by any animal,
consult with a doctor, since rabies is fatal if untreated.
