The immunocompromised traveller

Abstract

Thanks to the relative ease of modern travel, more and more immunocompromised people are able to travel for pleasure, business, and visiting friends and relatives in all corners of the world. They represent a very important group of travellers due to two main additional risk factors: they have a greater risk of becoming ill with travel-related diseases and they may experience an exacerbation or complication of their underlying disease. International travel is feasible in most cases, but occasionally itineraries may need to be modifed or additional recommendations given to make trips safer and therefore more enjoyable. The medical advisor must ensure that the traveller understands the risks involved in the proposed itinerary, based on his/her medical needs and tolerance for the risks of the proposed interventions.