Travel can be relaxing and rewarding, but people with chronic illnesses, such as heart disease, diabetes, asthma, or arthritis, may face unique challenges when they travel overseas. With a little planning and preparation, however, people with chronic illnesses can have safe and enjoyable trips. If you have a chronic illness and are planning an international trip, visit a travel medicine specialist at least 2 to 3 months before you leave to talk about what you should do to prepare.
Many conditions, including HIV, different kinds of cancer, liver disease, kidney disease, and multiple sclerosis can make you more susceptible to infection. In addition, many medicines can weaken the immune system, including steroids, cancer chemotherapy, and drugs to treat rheumatoid arthritis or psoriasis. Regardless of the cause, if you have a weakened immune system and are planning a trip overseas, our travel medicine specialists can discuss this with you.
Page reviewed on: Mar 09, 2017
Page reviewed by: Jessie L. Leyse, MD