Traveling with tuberculosis (TB) requires careful planning and adherence to medical guidelines to ensure your health and the safety of others. This guide provides essential information on traveling with TB, covering necessary precautions, documentation, and available resources.
Tuberculosis is an infectious disease that typically affects the lungs. It is caused by bacteria and can be spread through the air when a person with active TB coughs, sneezes, or speaks. If you are diagnosed with TB and planning to travel, understanding the regulations and taking appropriate steps is crucial.
Understanding the Risks and Regulations
Before embarking on any travel, it’s vital to consult with your healthcare provider and understand the specific regulations concerning TB and travel.
- Consult Your Doctor: Discuss your travel plans with your doctor, focusing on the completion of your treatment to prevent antibiotic resistance and relapse.
- Country-Specific Regulations: Research the entry requirements of your destination country regarding TB. Some countries may require proof of treatment or a negative TB test.
- Contagious vs. Non-Contagious TB: Determine whether you have active, contagious TB or latent TB infection. Regulations and recommendations may differ based on your condition.
Essential Steps Before Traveling
To ensure a smooth and safe trip, consider the following steps before leaving:
-
Travel Plans and Continuity of Care: Discuss your travel plans and the importance of completing your treatment to prevent antibiotic resistance and clinical relapse with your healthcare provider.
-
Finding Medical Providers Abroad: Seek advice on finding medical providers and support networks at your destination who can assist with ongoing care.
-
Contact CureTB: Consider contacting CureTB to help coordinate the continuity of your TB care. Early referral to CureTB can improve treatment outcomes.
-
Essential Documents: Carry copies of important documents, including:
- Diagnostic reports: Radiography, histology, and culture results with antibiotic susceptibility.
- Digital files: Radiographic imaging such as chest x-rays or CT scans.
- Treatment regimen: A flow sheet documenting your treatment regimen and doses of directly observed therapy.
- Medical summary: A medical summary on letterhead, including the treatment plan.
- Contact information: Points of contact and contact information for clinicians in the United States for more information.
-
Medication Supply: Obtain enough anti-TB medications to last until you can replenish your supply. Carry an extra 2–4 weeks’ worth, depending on the availability of the medication at your destination. Be aware that customs officials may require medical documentation before allowing the entry of medications.
Services for Coordinating International Travel
Several programs can help coordinate care between the United States and other countries:
CureTB
CureTB is part of the CDC’s Division of Global Migration Health (DGMH). It assists in coordinating integrated care for TB patients traveling worldwide. CureTB aims to improve treatment outcomes by educating and motivating patients to complete their TB treatment in their destination country.
CureTB works with state and local health departments and arranges continuity of care for patients in U.S. federal custody who are being repatriated. They also provide follow-up reports to the referring entity and corresponding U.S. health department and offer continuity-of-care services for patients’ coexisting health problems. CureTB services are covered under federal public health authority and do not require signed patient consent.
Contact CureTB:
- Phone: (619) 542-4013
- Email: [email protected]
- California residents: [email protected]
Health Network
The Health Network, offered by the Migrant Clinicians Network, is a multinational patient tracking and referral program that helps manage TB cases for patients who move frequently.
Health Network coordinates care for various conditions beyond TB, both within the United States and internationally. They return follow-up results to the originating U.S. healthcare providers, regardless of whether the provider works in a health department. Unlike CureTB, Health Network requires the patient’s informed signed consent.
Traveling with Potentially Contagious TB
If you have potentially contagious TB, you must take extra precautions to protect others:
- Delay Travel: It’s advisable to delay travel until you are no longer contagious, as determined by your healthcare provider.
- Respiratory Hygiene: Practice strict respiratory hygiene, including covering your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing, and wearing a mask in public places.
- Inform Authorities: If you must travel, inform the relevant public health authorities at your destination about your condition.
Continuing Care for TB Contacts Going Abroad
The WHO recommends investigating contacts of persons with contagious TB. Contact investigation practices vary by country.
Individuals exposed to TB in the United States or those starting treatment for latent TB infection should carry copies of their medical documents. While treatment might not be available at overseas public health clinics, it could be accessible through private clinics. CureTB routinely makes referrals to public health authorities at the destination for contacts exposed to TB. Keep in mind that most countries prioritize contact investigations for those younger than 5 years of age or with weakened immune systems.
Notifying Public Health Officials in Other Countries
For international patients diagnosed or managed for TB in the United States, CureTB can assist with notifying close contacts in another country in specific instances. Patients can also alert their household contacts through family or household members.
International TB Notification Form
The International TB Notification Form is an optional form for direct international notifications without the assistance of CureTB or Health Network.
Conclusion
Traveling with tuberculosis requires careful preparation and adherence to medical advice. By understanding the risks, taking necessary precautions, and utilizing available resources like CureTB and the Health Network, you can ensure your health and the safety of others while traveling. Always consult with your healthcare provider to create a personalized plan that addresses your specific needs and circumstances.
