United States
The United States mainland covers almost 9.5 million sq. km and is bounded in the north by Canada and in the south by Mexico. The USA comprises 48 mainland states plus the separate states of Alaska to the north-west and Hawaii in the central Pacific. Continental USA can be divided into five main physical areas (east to west): the Atlantic coastal plain, the Appalachian Mountains, the Interior Plain, the North American Cordillera and the Western Plateau (High Plains).
The climate varies. On the Pacific coast, polar conditions in northern Alaska give way to cool and warm temperate zones further south, with moderate rainfall and temperate deserts in southern California. The mountain states (Arizona, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Utah and Wyoming) exhibit very varied climatic conditions, determined by local mountain features. Winters in the north are very cold, with considerable snowfall. The High Plains have a continental climate and experience summer dust storms and winter blizzards. The Atlantic coast is temperate maritime, with temperatures varying according to latitude, and heavy snowfall in the north is not unusual. The warmest months are July and August.
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Pre-travel Preparation Will Help Protect Your Health While You Are Away
Pre-travel preparation will help keep you safe and healthy while you are away. Please consult the Travel Doctor-TMVC before you travel overseas. We will provide specific recommendations tailored to your itinerary. Our doctors will assess and advise you on your risks, and recommend appropriate vaccination and medication to minimise your risk of becoming seriously unwell on your trip.
Vaccination Recommendations/Requirements
Before you travel, make sure that you are up to date on all routine vaccines recommended for you based on your age and underlying risk profile.
These include:
- Chickenpox (Varicella): either previous disease or vaccination
- Diphtheria-Tetanus-Pertussis
- Flu (Influenza)
- Hepatitis B
- Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR): travellers born during or after 1966 are recommended to have received two vaccinations previously
- Meningococcal ACWY
- Polio: per childhood schedule
- SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19)
Additional vaccines may be required or recommended for this destination. This will vary depending on your medical history, prior immunisations, length of travel, season of travel, itinerary and other relevant factors.
Insect Avoidance
In many countries, insects carry dangerous diseases. While mosquitoes pose the main risk to travellers, bites from sand flies, ticks, fleas and bedbugs can also transmit diseases. Ensure you are prepared and read up on our insect avoidance tips.
Common Medical Conditions
It is recommended to carry a traveller’s medical kit for the self-treatment of common traveller’s ailments such as respiratory or gastric infections.
Health Risks
The following diseases are known to occur in the area:
Disclaimer: The following information is intended as a guide only and is not intended to replace professional medical advice.
Health Alerts
Don't leave your health to chance.
Book with one of our travel medicine clinics today to get our advice and better protect your health on your next trip.
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