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Travel Health

Welcome to PlanetOut's Travel Health Online, where we guide you to everything you need to know about protecting and improving your health when you travel. Most of what you'll find here is helpful for all travelers -- regardless of sex, sexual orientation, or HIV status. In addition, you'll find very specific recommendations for gay women and men, travelers who are HIV-positive, and anyone with a compromised immune system.

No Web site can substitute for the personal advice from a physician. We encourage you to use this information as discussion points with a competent medical professional. Discuss your travel plans at your next medical checkup, and plan a visit to a local travel health clinic or travel health specialist at least six weeks before any extensive or exotic travel. This preventative visit will allow your doctor to administer any recommended vaccines which may require a few weeks to build immunity, and to help you plan appropriate preventative and treatment measures and medications. Very few doctors specialize in travel medicine, and it is well worth your while to seek out one who does. Specialists are much more likely to know about the most recent outbreaks, risks, and treatments. Most of all, remember that staying healthy isn't a matter of luck. Good preparation, common sense, and simple precautions can prevent most dream vacations from becoming nightmares.

Know Before You Go

Health risks around the world

Preparing a travel medical kit

Travel insurance

Medical assistance and evacuation programs

Vaccine checklist

Top ten tips for healthy travel

Bring it with you

Staying Healthy On The Road

Simple, smart and easy ways to stay healthy

Traveling with medicine

In-flight activities: Arrive in better shape

Medical assistance out of town

For HIV+ Travelers

Concerns for immuno-compromised travelers

HIV/AIDS immigration restrictions

HIV/AIDS as a "pre-existing condition" for travel insurance

HIV/AIDS Hotlines and Referrals for Travelers

Travel Health Resources

Travel Health Clinics and Other Resources Smart links to the resources you need to act on our recommendations, get additional information, and find a travel health clinic near you.

Legal Considerations for Gay and Lesbian Travelers Gay women and men can be barred from visiting their longtime traveling companion if he or she is hospitalized in a foreign country. What you need to know about your legal status in case of emergency.

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