Book Review: International Travel and Health 2011

The World Health Organization’s (WHO) 2011 version of Travel and International Health reflects the current trends affecting safe and healthy travel.  Though this publication was created with medical and public health professionals in mind, it is also an easy-to-use resource for general travelers.  While many travelers may prefer to search the Internet for up-to-date travel information, this book allows you to find all the info you need and cross references it as necessary without getting distracted by all the extraneous information and distractions that would likely be produced by an online search.

The topics covered range from general travel issues such as modes of travel and personal safety to more destination-specific situations such as environmental health risks and infectious diseases (e.g. yellow fever, malaria and rabies).  Each of the major infectious diseases has its own map highlighting at-risk areas and important vaccination information. 

Here is a breakdown by Chapter:

1. Health risks and precautions: general considerations
2. Mode of travel: health considerations
3. Environmental health risks
4. Injuries and violence
5. Infectious diseases of potential risk for travelers
6. Vaccine-preventable diseases and vaccines
7. Malaria
8. Exposure to bloody and body fluids
9. Special groups of travelers
10. Psychological health

If you are looking for a good resource for international travel in general, or information to help you plan for the before, during and after of a specific trip, this is a credible and informative asset to add to your book shelf.

Any recommendations for similarly helpful resources?