Vlot et al reported risk factors for morbidity in an elderly tourist traveling to the tropics. These can help to identify a patient who may require more travel advice. The authors are from multiple institutions in The Netherlands.
Patient selection: tourist to the tropics, age >= 60 years
Common types of morbidity:
(1) infection (respiratory tract infections, gastroenteritis, other)
(2) injuries
(3) peripheral edema
(4) dehydration
Lower risk:
(1) good mental health (higher SF-36 mental health score)
(2) higher education
(3) traveling with family
(4) physically fit
Higher risk:
(1) longer trip duration
(2) traveling to North Africa, Southeast or East Asia
(3) high Charlson comorbidity score
(4) multiple daily medications
(5) using a mobile phone and social media
(6) more travel experience
(7) engaged in more high risk behavior (raw food products, unpeeled fruit, animal contact, etc)
