Travel medicine: Part 2-Special situations

Travel should be educational, fun, and safe if the appropriate care is rendered by counseling physicians and travelers take an active role in their health. In the second paper of the 2-part special articles, we provide a practical summary of up-to-date travel medicine about special situations for primary care physicians. We focus on in-flight emergencies, pregnancy, and specific precautions for injury and infectious disease as special situations. Physicians are frequently called upon to examine patients with in-flight emergencies, and thus, they should have knowledge and skills for effectively caring patients. Common health problems over the flights include syncope, chest pain, dyspnea, and gastrointestinal symptoms. Cautious and prudent behaviors should be recommended for travelers to prevent injury and infectious disease. Follow-up after the return home optimizes a positive outcome.