Recommendations for travelers
 
​Travel

Before
Visit the different province or district health authorities for recommendations to implement individual protection, prevention and control measures (such as vaccines, use of mosquito nets etc.)
 
·         If necessary, locate vaccination sites and apply vaccines or medicines needed, according to region to visit.
·         Conduct prior vaccination (10 days minimum before entering the risk area in the case of yellow fever).
·         Request information about contraindications and possible side effects.
·         Colombia, despite being a country with endemic malaria areas, has no recommendation for use of preventive treatment (chemoprophylaxis)
·         Have access to health insurance for care if required.
·         Ensure that children meet the required vaccination schedule.
During
Take food hygiene measures related to:
·         Use appropriate clothing.
·         Use solar radiation and insect protection.
·         Follow healthy eating habits (bottled water and hygienic food sites).
·         Use insecticide-treated materials (bednets) and repellents.
·         Avoid exposure to insects in their peak hours.
·         Use condoms to prevent STDs.
·         Always carry with you the vaccination papers.
 
After
·         Monitor for the first two weeks after the trip, on you or your companions, the onset of symptoms and signs of communicable and prevalent diseases of the place visited.
·         In the event of the appearance of any symptoms:
·         Avoid self-medication.
·         Visit a health center immediately.

Protective and hygienic measures in international travel
General recommendations
 
·         Use appropriate clothing and footwear: sleeves and long pants, avoid dark colors which attract mosquitoes.
·         Avoid exposure to mosquito bites in the hours where they are most active (at dawn and dusk).
·         Use sun protection mechanisms (sunscreen, sunglasses, hats).
·         Wash hands frequently with soap and water.
 
Acute respiratory illness
·         When coughing or sneezing, cover your nose and mouth with a tissue or cloth. If one is not available, cover with your arm; do not use your hand.
·         Keep places well ventilated by opening windows of the rooms or environments where you are staying, and in vehicles you are riding (taxis, cars, buses etc.).
 
Food and Water
·         Avoid raw foods (seafood, salads, unpeeled or unwashed fruit).
·         Eat in clean and healthy places; avoid eating food that is sold on the street.
·         Drink only bottled water; avoid ice cubes.
·         Pay special attention to milk, pastries and ice cream due to their easy contamination.
 
Swimming
·         The waters of lakes and rivers in tropical areas may be contaminated with larvae that penetrate the skin and cause disease.
·         Only swimming pools with chlorinated water are safe.
·         Bathing in salt water does not, in principle, pose a risk of diseases.
 
Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs)
·         The most effective way to prevent STDs is with the use of condoms.