You can protect yourself when you travel

Iowans are famous for being snowbirds, and despite fears of terrorist threats, many are planning travel outside the state and the country this winter. President-elect of the Iowa Medical Society Jose Angel says there are things you can do to protect yourself.She says if you can’t cook it or peel it, don’t eat it, and don’t eat undercooked meat, any food from street vendors, or drink things with ice. Doctor Angel says some people think with the right medications, they can protect themselves against anything.Taking antibiotics is less helpful than avoiding things like the local water, some kinds of food, and hi-risk sports. The doctor says one of the most dangerous things you can do on a trip abroad…is have a romance. She says the highest-risk sexual activity of all is abroad, with the risk of AIDS, hepatitis and other things. And no matter how well you prepare, there’s no guarantee you won’t run into the legendary traveler’s malady.”Montezuma’s Revenge” is usually an e-coli infection, and you shouldn’t try to prevent it by taking antibiotics before you travel. After you get it, some varieties will respond to antibiotics, some won’t.