Travel Medicine Clinic

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The Pediatric Travel Medicine Clinic under the directorship of Dr. John C. Christenson is devoted to the prevention of travel-related medical problems in the young international traveler, and to evaluating and treating pediatric travel-related illnesses.

Children travel to international destinations for diverse reasons. They often accompany their parents on business trips or family visits and for humanitarian activities. Other children may travel independently with organized groups or as exchange students. Visits may be brief or for extended periods. All have the potential for exposing young travelers and family members to illnesses endemic to the geographic regions to which they travel. Many of these conditions are relatively unfamiliar to most practitioners. The most common of these include malaria, hepatitis A, diarrheal disease, typhoid fever, yellow fever, tuberculosis and a variety of parasitic infections. Illnesses may be transmitted from person to person or through food or water. Most can be prevented by education directed at avoiding exposure, using preventive medications and, in some instances, by receiving specialized vaccines.

The Pediatric Travel Medicine Clinic staff has a broad experience in travel-related medical issues. Families can receive extensive education in preparation for travel, including on up-to-the-minute medical issues prevalent in the family?s itinerary. In addition, the clinic offers the appropriate medications, vaccines and most importantly, advice needed to protect travelers. The clinic provides care for children of all ages as well as for the accompanying adult family members.

Dr. Christenson has clinical expertise in broad areas of international medicine and is skilled in evaluating illnesses that may affect young travelers. He has Certificates of Knowledge from the International Society of Travel Medicine and the American Society of Tropical Medicine & Hygiene. The Pediatric Travel Medicine Clinic is available for consultation and evaluation of illnesses that may be related to travel to other parts of the world. For an appointment to the Pediatric Travel Medicine clinic or to speak to a pediatric travel medicine specialist, please call (317) 274-7260. In the event of illness during non-office hours, please call (317) 274-5000 and ask for the on-call pediatric infectious disease physician.