Avoiding Spring Break Fever: How to Stay Healthy While Traveling
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Spring break is a time for adventure, relaxation, and exploration—but without the right precautions, it can also bring unexpected health risks. In the latest episode of Transmission Interrupted, Jill Morgan, a nurse at Emory University Hospital and member of the Serious Communicable Diseases Program at Emory, sat down with two infectious disease experts to discuss how travelers can enjoy a safe and healthy spring break.
She was joined by Dr. Henry Wu, associate professor in the Division of Infectious Diseases at Emory University School of Medicine and director of the Emory Healthcare TravelWell Center, and Dr. Laura Dickson, assistant professor in the Department of Microbiology and Immunology at UTMB Health. Together, they share essential strategies to help travelers avoid illness while making the most of their spring break destinations.
Spring Break Travel: What to Know Before You Go
Whether you’re heading to a tropical beach, a bustling city, or a remote adventure spot, travel comes with health risks—some of which may not be top of mind for many travelers. Dr. Wu and Dr. Dickson highlight key concerns to be aware of before packing your bags.
Assessing Travel Risks
Spring break hotspots like Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central America may expose travelers to diseases such as dengue fever, Zika virus, and even foodborne illnesses. Dr. Wu stresses the importance of researching your destination in advance. The CDC Traveler’s Health website offers up-to-date information on potential health risks and recommended vaccinations. (https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel, accessed 4/3/25)
For example, travelers heading to certain regions may need a yellow fever vaccine or anti-malaria pills, and travel clinics like Emory’s can provide guidance on necessary vaccinations and preventive medications. Understanding local health concerns before departure can help travelers avoid disruptions to their trip.
Staying Safe: Protecting Yourself from Mosquito-Borne Diseases
Dr. Wu and Dr. Dickson emphasize that some of the most popular spring break destinations pose higher risks for mosquito-borne illnesses. Even high-end resorts are not immune to diseases like dengue fever, chikungunya, and Zika virus, which are transmitted through mosquito bites.
To stay protected, they recommend:
- Applying insect repellent with DEET or picaridin regularly.
- Wearing long sleeves and pants, particularly in areas where mosquitoes are active at dawn and dusk.
- Being mindful of standing water, where mosquitoes breed.
Additionally, Dr. Dickson highlights that while mosquitoes may seem like a minor nuisance, they are primary vectors for serious infections. Taking preventive measures can mean the difference between a carefree vacation and dealing with an unexpected illness.
Food and Water Safety Tips
Another common issue spring breakers face is traveler’s diarrhea, often caused by consuming contaminated food or water. Dr. Wu advises travelers to:
- Stick to bottled or purified water in areas where tap water may not be safe.
- Be cautious of raw or undercooked foods, particularly seafood and street food.
- Wash hands frequently or use hand sanitizer before eating.
Recognizing When to Seek Medical Attention
Some infections, including malaria and other mosquito-borne viruses, may not cause symptoms until after returning home. Dr. Wu urges travelers to monitor their health for signs of fever, fatigue, or other unusual symptoms after their trip. If you feel unwell, seek medical attention promptly and inform your healthcare provider of your recent travel history.
A Smarter Approach to Spring Break Travel
Dr. Wu and Dr. Dickson agree that a well-prepared traveler is a safer traveler. While infectious diseases are a reality of global travel, simple precautions can help mitigate risks—allowing for a fun, safe, and memorable spring break experience.
Before you set off on your adventure, take a few extra steps to ensure your trip is as smooth as possible. A little preparation goes a long way in preventing health issues from interrupting your getaway.
Planning a spring break trip? Stay informed and travel smart. For more expert insights, listen to the full episode featuring Dr. Wu and Dr. Dickson.
Subscribe to Transmission Interrupted at netec.org/podcast to stay updated on future episodes featuring a wide array of topics at the intersection of public health and infectious diseases.
About the Experts
Laura Dickson, PhD
Dr. Laura Dickson is currently an Assistant Professor in the Department of Microbiology and Immunology at the University of Texas Medical Branch. She is originally from California and received her B.S. at the University of California, Davis. Following her undergraduate degree she worked as a Fulbright Fellow in Kisumu, Kenya and later completed her PhD at Colorado State University in the lab of Bill Black studying the population genetics and vector competence of Ae. aegypti from Senegal. She carried out her postdoctoral training in the lab of Louis Lambrechts at the Pasteur Institute in Paris, France where she studied the carry over effects of the Ae. aegypti larvae – bacteria interactions on adult traits related to vectorial capacity. She did a brief stint in biotech where she led the initiatives to develop novel strategies to curb arbovirus transmission through bacterial delivery of various small molecules to mosquitoes. Her lab at UTMB will focus on understanding how different ecologies and environments shape the interactions between Ae. aegypti and its microbiome and between Ae. aegypti and arboviruses. Her work as a graduate student, as a postdoc, and now as an Assistant Professor is based on establishing a strong connection between the hypotheses we generate and test in lab and in the field.
Henry M. Wu, MD
Dr. Henry M. Wu is an Associate Professor of Medicine in the Division of Infectious Diseases at Emory University School of Medicine and serves as the Director of the Emory TravelWell Center. He earned his medical degree from Harvard Medical School, completed his internal medicine residency and infectious diseases fellowship at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, and obtained a Diploma in Tropical Medicine and Hygiene from the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine.
Before joining Emory, Dr. Wu was a Medical Epidemiologist at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), focusing on meningitis and vaccine-preventable diseases. His clinical interests include travel-acquired diseases, tropical medicine, and preparing travelers for high-risk itineraries. Dr. Wu has extensive field experience across Africa, Asia, and South America, and has lectured and written extensively on topics such as travel medicine, infectious disease epidemiology, and central nervous system infections.
He is a member of professional organizations including the International Society of Travel Medicine, the American Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene, and the Infectious Diseases Society of America.
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