Traveling overseas — whether for leisure, research or business — calls for numerous health precautions. Knowing the types of health risks you’ll be facing before you hop on the plane, train or ship is the first step in making sure your travel experience is as seamless as possible. There are a few other steps to get set before you jet, so plan ahead.

The first thing the Stanford’s Overseas Studies Program Web site recommends is making an appointment with the Travel Clinic at Vaden Health Center. The Travel Clinic, which is made available for the use of all members of the Stanford community, offers immunizations and vaccinations required for extended overseas travel.

According to Nancy Masunaga, nurse coordinator at Vaden, there are several different immunizations recommended before a person travels overseas.

“Typical immunizations include Hepatitis A and Hepatitis B — particularly for health care workers or travelers who will be in contact with the local population,” said Masunaga. “Routine immunizations such as tetanus / diphtheria and measles should be up to date.”

Less typical vaccines include those for typhoid, polio, rabies, Japanese encephalitis, yellow fever, meningitis and influenza vaccinations. Vaccination requirements also vary from region to region. For example, according to the OSP Web site, Meningitis C is more widespread in British universities than in American universities. It is therefore recommended that students traveling to Oxford get the meningococcal vaccine.

“Some countries require evidence of yellow fever vaccination prior to entry,” added Masunaga. “And although there isn’t a vaccine, medication to help prevent malaria is recommended for certain regions of the world.”

No other required vaccinations exist for travel to Stanford’s other campuses, which include Australia, Beijing, Santiago, Kyoto, Florence, Berlin, Moscow and Paris.

Senior Laurel Anderson traveled to Australia fall quarter of her junior year. She said that health precautions were not an issue prior to her departure.

“I don’t remember having to take a physical exam or getting any special vaccinations,” she said.

Students on campus do have the freedom to participate in programs offered by other universities, though, and many students go to third-world and politically ravaged countries for charity or missionary work.

For students going to countries that have higher risks of certain diseases, the Centers for Disease Control Web site provides detailed information on the health risks in every country (http://www.cdc.gov). The Web site also provides information on the recommended vaccinations travelers should get before leaving the country.

If illness does become an issue overseas, though, you may still be covered. Many health insurance carriers cover emergencies abroad, so it is best to carry an insurance card at all times. Masunaga recommends that travelers validate overseas emergency coverage with their health insurance carriers before leaving for a trip. Students heading overseas through OSP are required to present proof that their health insurance is valid abroad (for those not enrolled in Cardinal Care).

“Medical care can be substandard in many developing countries,” she said, “so adequate evacuation coverage should be considered.”

For those planning to stay abroad for an extended period of time, typically two or more weeks, it is advisable to register at the local United States embassy or consulate. If emergency medical treatment is needed, these institutions can provide a list of local physicians and medical centers. More importantly, registering in these areas will help facilitate communication to and from home in case of an emergency — an important note for those traveling to areas experiencing civil unrest or prone to natural disasters.

It is also wise to fill prescriptions before you travel, given that medication can be different or unavailable in another country, according to WebMD.com, an online health resource.

Yet vaccinations and political tension are not the only safety issues to consider before taking off There are plenty of ways the smart traveler can avoid an unwelcome ailment by exercising caution in everyday living.

While overseas, students often complain of colds, headaches and sore throats. According to the OSP Web site, health is primarily a matter of adequate rest.

Written on the program’s Web site is the following disclaimer: “Some students do not get enough rest overseas because there is so much to do and see, and as they get run-down, their resistance is lowered and they are more vulnerable to stress.”

Anderson recalls this notion of running around in her trip to Australia. “There wasn’t much to take care of [health-wise] before my trip,” she said, “but my biggest worry out there was that I would be attacked by poisonous animals. At one point, we had to wear full-body nylon suits to protect ourselves from jellyfish.”

While many travelers probably do not have to worry about encountering the infamous blue-ring octopi or box jellyfish in the land down under, in many developing countries food — and especially water — can prove to be a problem, resulting in food poisoning, stomachaches or diarrhea.

“But a common sense approach to food and water . . . can help prevent a number of infectious illnesses such as cholera, typhoid fever, Hepatitis A, and less specific gastrointestinal disease,” Masunaga said.

While abroad, try to avoid raw foods including salads, uncooked vegetables and unpasteurized dairy products, Masunaga suggested. If you want to try eating raw fruits or vegetables, rinse them thoroughly in clean water. Steer clear of undercooked / raw meat, fish and shellfish, which can carry intestinal pathogens.

Even if food has been cooked, make sure it is still hot. Cooked food that has been allowed to sit for a few hours at room temperature is susceptible to bacteria growth.

As for water, the traveler’s life may be a dichotomous one, as one must remain hydrated at all times, but must also exercise extreme caution in ensuring that one’s water is not contaminated. Avoid tap water, if possible, and drink only bottled and purified water. If water becomes too boring, there are other choices.

“Beverages such as tea and coffee made with boiled water, canned or bottled beverages including soft drinks, beer and wine” are also acceptable options,” said Masunaga.

And don’t forget to steer clear of ice made with unpurified water. A warm Coke is easier to take than a case of the runs.