Germ & Worm

98: How to prepare for a high-altitude trek in Bhutan?

Tue, 28 Apr 2026 02:00:00 -0700

Kuzuzangpo la! Today, travel medicine specialists Drs. Paul Pottinger & Chris Sanford answer your travel health questions, including:

How should I prepare for a high-altitude trek in Bhutan?
What is the latest about oropouche virus?
Did the head of CDC really just suppress a scientific paper written at CDC?
How strongly do you recommend the dengue vaccine available overseas?
Can we trust travel and health advice found on social media?
Is it possible to get TOO MUCH exercise when you travel?

We hope you enjoy this podcast! If so, please follow us on the socials @germ.and.worm, subscribe to our RSS feed and share with your friends! We would so appreciate your rating and review to help us grow our audience. And, please visit our website: germandworm.com where you can find all our content and send us your questions and travel health anecdotes. Or, just send us an email: germandworm@gmail.com.

Our Disclaimer: The Germ and Worm Podcast is designed to inform, inspire, and entertain. However, this podcast does NOT establish a doctor-patient relationship, and it should NOT replace your conversation with a qualified healthcare professional. Please see one before your next adventure. The opinions in this podcast are Dr. Sanford’s & Dr. Pottinger’s alone, and do not necessarily represent the opinions of the University of Washington or UW Medicine.

97: Blue light and jet lag– is there a connection?

Tue, 21 Apr 2026 02:00:00 -0700

Salam Alikoum! Today, travel medicine specialists Drs. Paul Pottinger & Chris Sanford answer your travel health questions, including:

Is there a connection between blue light and jet lag?
What about jet lag and liver cancer?
Who really needs an mpox vaccine?
What is RFK Jr up to with the USPSTF?
Why are airline ticket costs currently so high?
Can I purchase travel insurance for any destination?
What is the best diamox dose when climbing tall mountains?

96: Berserk Llama Syndrome: How to Make Sure it Never Happens to YOU!

Tue, 14 Apr 2026 02:00:00 -0700

Salam Alikoum! Today, travel medicine specialists Drs. Paul Pottinger & Chris Sanford answer your travel health questions, including:

Should I ride an elephant in Thailand?
What about riding a camel in Morocco?
Is it safe to take a hot air balloon ride in Turkey or Mexico?
What is Berserk Llama Syndrome (BLS) and how can I avoid it?
Is it really dangerous to approach a bison on foot?
How about swimming with manatees, any issues there?
Are lions you see on safari really hazardous?
What about visiting the great apes in the wild?
Can ayahuasca be taken safely overseas?

95: Top of Planet Earth: Reflections on Mountaineering with Dr. Paul Pottinger

Tue, 07 Apr 2026 02:00:00 -0700

Tashi Delek! Today, travel medicine specialist Dr. Chris Sanford interviews Dr. Paul Pottinger about his experiences as an amateur mountaineer. Questions he will answer include:

How did you get interested in mountaineering? What attracts you to it?
What mountains have you climbed?
What is the Seven Summits quest?
Tell us about climbing Mount Everest?
What advice would you offer aspiring mountaineers?

94: Southeast Asia: Should I go? Of course!

Tue, 31 Mar 2026 02:00:00 -0700

Nihao ! Today, travel medicine specialists Drs. Paul Pottinger & Chris Sanford answer your travel health questions, including:

What is the definition of Southeast Asia anyhow?
Where do Germ & Worm prefer to travel there?
What vaccines should I consider before traveling to Southeast Asia?
Is it necessary to avoid insect bites there? And what about malaria prevention?
How risky is this area for traveler's diarrhea?
Any personal safety concerns in Southeast Asia?
What kind of toilets will I expect to find?
Tips for safe travel within Southeast Asia?

93: Poliovirus in Europe? WTF!

Tue, 24 Mar 2026 02:00:00 -0700

Guten tag! Today, travel medicine specialists Drs. Paul Pottinger & Chris Sanford answer your travel health questions, including:

What fun activities do you recommend for a visit to Singapore?
Is there leishmaniasis in the USA?
What's up with the AMA no longer recommending trust in CDC on vaccines?
What vaccine-preventable infections are likely to rise in coming years?
What vaccines should I get before participating in Hajj or Umrah?
Implications of Washington State issuing its own vaccine guidelines?
Any favorite online sites for reliable travel medicine information?
Should I get a polio booster before a trip to Barcelona?

92: Eating healthy on the road: Can it be done?

Tue, 17 Mar 2026 02:00:00 -0700

Salut! Today, travel medicine specialists Drs. Paul Pottinger & Chris Sanford answer your travel health questions, including:

Can you catch norovirus infection anywhere except on a cruise ship?
How can I stay safe when I visit the USA for the FIFA World Cup?
Will the FDA ever review Moderna's application for influenza vaccines built on mRNA technology?
Is it possible to eat healthfully while on the road?
What should I know about Zika and Chikungunya in Seychelles... I may get pregnant during an upcoming visit?
Should I avoid the news when on vacation?
Is measles only a concern in lower-income nations?

91: 15 Years on a US Federal Disaster Response Team

Tue, 10 Mar 2026 02:00:00 -0700

Bonjour! Today, travel medicine specialist Dr. Paul Pottinger (Germ) interviews his friend Dr. Chris Sanford (Worm) about his fifteen years serving on US federal disaster response teams, touching on topics including:

How did you get involved in disaster response?
What was your first assignment?
What are the greatest challenges you have faced in this work?
What are the strangest or most surprising experiences you can share?
How did you cope with the incredible stress of this work?
Lessons learned and advice for people curious about volunteering?

Want to learn more about ASPR's TCCT network? Check them out here.

90: Could you be pepper-sprayed? What to do!

Tue, 03 Mar 2026 02:00:00 -0700

Selamat tengah hari! Today, travel medicine specialists Drs. Paul Pottinger & Chris Sanford answer your travel health questions, including:

Thoughts on safety of traveling in El Salvador?
Tips for fun and safe travel in Belize?
What to do if I get pepper sprayed--at a protest or otherwise?
Is now a bad time for US citizens to travel overseas?
Any reaction to a recent NYT article on traveler's diarrhea published in January 2026?
How can you tell if an airline is generally safe?
Reflections on the passing of Dr. Bill Foege?

Here is a link to Dr. Glaucomflecken's post on eye health in case of getting pepper-sprayed.

89: Is the USA now a "high-risk" destination?

Tue, 24 Feb 2026 02:00:00 -0700

Selamat sejahtera! Today, travel medicine specialists Drs. Paul Pottinger & Chris Sanford answer your travel health questions, including:

Do Germ and Worm recommend against non-essential travel to the USA now?
Tsetse flies–what’s the best repellent?
How can I reduce muscle aches after hiking?
Artificial Intelligence (AI) and travel medicine: too soon?
Nipah Virus traveler screening: Update and advice.
Did cold water really give me a migraine... and did a plane ride really help?
Scabies! How to avoid, and what to do?
Is caving the same as spelunking–and how to stay safe for both?

88: Endurance Events--Going the Distance

Tue, 17 Feb 2026 02:00:00 -0700

Yu stap gut? Today, travel medicine specialists Drs. Paul Pottinger & Chris Sanford answer your travel health questions, including:

How much risk is there of road accidents when traveling overseas?
Is it still possible to get immunized against chikungunya in the USA?
I have asthma, should I worry about traveling to Thailand?
Why are some infections so much more catchy than others?
What if I need to do CPR in the wilderness?
How can I stay safe if planning an endurance run or pilgrimage?
Any special health considerations when planning to visit Milan for winter olympics?
What's the latest with medical societies' response to new federal vaccine policies?

Here's the link to Germ & Worm's recent Op-Ed in the Seattle times regarding immunization policy.

87: Goin' to the Sunny Carib!

Tue, 10 Feb 2026 02:00:00 -0700

Que Paso? Today, travel medicine specialists Drs. Paul Pottinger & Chris Sanford answer your travel health questions, including:

What are Germ and Worm up to this month?
I'm planning a cruise to the Caribbean--what health steps should I take to stay safe? G&W talk about respiratory infections, dengue, malaria, diarrheal illnesses, ciguatera poisoning, tungiasis, dog & cat hookworm, human hookworm, and more!
Any updates on what to do in case I'm caught in a riptide?
How can I protect myself from Measles?

Here's the link to Germ & Worm's recent Op-Ed in the Seattle times regarding immunization policy.

86: There's a Rat in Me Toilet... What Am I Gonna Do?

Tue, 03 Feb 2026 02:00:00 -0700

Bat haiyo ne? Today, travel medicine specialists Drs. Paul Pottinger & Chris Sanford answer your travel health questions, including:

Rats in the toilets of Seattle… REALLY?
Health and safety concerns when considering travel to Myanmar?
New vaccine for Nipah Virus Infection: Ready for prime time?
Should I be screened for TB after a trip?
Should I purchase evacuation insurance?
What are my options for planetwide communications now?

85: Hotel Health: How to Avoid Hotel Hell!

Tue, 27 Jan 2026 02:00:00 -0700

Ayubowan! Today, travel medicine specialists Drs. Paul Pottinger & Chris Sanford answer your travel health questions, including:

Bed bugs–how to sniff them out!
The hotel ice machine–safe to use?
Drinking safely at the bar–can it be done?
Laundry: How gross can it get?
Is my shower safe to use?
What about the hotel pool–will it make me sick?
Carbon monoxide and other toxins–can we avoid them?
Drinking at the hotel bar–how to do it safely?
Tips for safe & successful taxi rides?
What hotel amenities should you anticipate–and which ones are rarely found?

84: Air Pollution in New Delhi: Say it Ain’t So

Tue, 20 Jan 2026 02:00:00 -0700

Vanakkam! Today, travel medicine specialists Drs. Paul Pottinger & Chris Sanford answer your travel health questions, including:

Why should I visit Japan? https://www.japan.travel/en/us/
Is COVID-19 immunization safe during pregnancy?
Is there really malaria now in Westchester County?
What should people do to stay safe if caught in a flood?
New drugs for gonorrhea: Too good to be true?
Is AI ready for prime-time in travel health?
What antibiotics are best for sinusitis, and how long should I take them?
Just how bad is the air in New Delhi, and what can I do about it?

83: Which is worse: Jungles or Airport Jungle Gyms?

Tue, 13 Jan 2026 02:00:00 -0700

Kaya! Today, travel medicine specialists Drs. Paul Pottinger & Chris Sanford answer your travel health questions, including:

Why should I visit Patagonia?
What is an FDA box warning, and why are they considering putting one on COVID-19 vaccines?
Will the shingles vaccine reduce my risk of developing dementia?
How reliable are vaccines I can get overseas?
Can skydiving happen safely?
Are they really putting exercise equipment in airport terminals?
When am I safe to fly after a cold?

82: Staying Healthy on the Hill--Brought to you by Climbing the Seven Summits

Tue, 06 Jan 2026 02:00:00 -0700

Today, travel medicine specialists Drs. Paul Pottinger & Chris Sanford talk with Caroline Pemberton, Co-Owner of Climbing the Seven Summits. Our focus: How to stay healthy when pursuing tall mountains on big expeditions. Questions we tackle include:

How does the immune system work?
What can people do to prevent infections before they leave home?
What vaccines are useful?
Should someone isolate from others in the month before departure?
Is it possible to overtrain?
What tricks can people use to stay healthy when approaching base camp?
Is it advisable to take acetazolamide?
What about stress and anxiety--how can these be managed?
How about vitamins--helpful, or a scam?
Macronutrients--how many calories do you need per day?
How can you stimulate your appetite?
What if you get sick on the upper mountain?

You can also catch this episode on our YouTube channel, or at the CTSS webinar page.

81: Deep Dive with Dr. Greg Davis on SCUBA Health

Tue, 30 Dec 2025 02:00:00 -0700

Ungil tutau! Today, travel medicine specialists Drs. Greg Davis, Paul Pottinger, and Chris Sanford answer your SCUBA health questions, including:

How should someone get into SCUBA diving?
What should you look for when choosing a diving operator?
What ENT issues should someone be aware of when diving?
What if someone has a cold or allergy symptoms before they dive?
What if you get a bloody nose when diving?
When descending, what sings tell me that I should head for the surface?
What can people do if they have Eustachian tube dysfunction?
What are the chances that Eustachian tube dilation will work permanently?
What is DAN?
How soon can someone fly home after diving?
Can we trust dive computers, instead of tables?
What would you include in a dive boat first-aid kit?
What are the best ways to equalize your ears when you dive--beyond Valsalva?

Please learn more about Dr. Davis's practice at www.gregdavismd.com.

Our Disclaimer: The Germ and Worm Podcast is designed to inform, inspire, and entertain. However, this podcast does NOT establish a doctor-patient relationship, and it should NOT replace your conversation with a qualified healthcare professional. Please see one before your next adventure. The opinions in this podcast are Dr. Davis's, Dr. Sanford’s & Dr. Pottinger’s alone, and do not necessarily represent the opinions of the University of Washington or UW Medicine.

80: Germ & Worm's New Years Travel Resolutions

Mon, 22 Dec 2025 14:00:00 -0700

Alii! Today, travel medicine specialists Drs. Paul Pottinger & Chris Sanford answer your travel health questions, including:

Why should I visit Antarctica?
What new-years travel resolutions should I embrace?
Probiotics: Will they prevent traveler’s diarrhea?
Tell me more about the new iPhone earbud interpretation feature (babelfish?)
What is going on with pneumonia vaccine approval process at FDA?
Tips for avoiding getting scammed when traveling?
What is up with a new coronavirus discovered in Brazil?

79: Don't Tox with Strangers

Tue, 16 Dec 2025 02:00:00 -0700

Mogethin! Today, travel medicine specialists Drs. Paul Pottinger & Chris Sanford answer your travel health questions, including:

Why should I visit Uganda? https://exploreuganda.com/
Is there dengue fever in India--and if so, what should I do about it?
What just happened with hepatitis B immunizations in the USA?
Can I trust US Dept of State travel safety advisories?
What can go wrong if I self-administer botox?
What's the best way to get a domestic supply of my medications when abroad?
Do we have evidence for RSV vaccine effectiveness?

78: E-bikes: Be afraid… be very afraid.

Tue, 09 Dec 2025 02:00:00 -0700

Ran annim! Today, travel medicine specialists Drs. Paul Pottinger & Chris Sanford answer your travel health questions, including:

Were children really killed by the COVID vaccine?
I'm not vaccinated yet against flu--is it too late now?
What is up with bird flu in Washington State?
How can I protect myself against ciguatera intoxication?
Where do I need Hepatitis A vaccine?
E-Bikes: Are they safe?
What should I know about gathering mushrooms when I travel?
Where can I fly a drone overseas and not get in trouble?

77: Mag(nesium) for Jet Lag: Ready for Prime Time?

Tue, 02 Dec 2025 02:00:00 -0700

Kaselehlie! Today, travel medicine specialists Drs. Paul Pottinger & Chris Sanford answer your travel health questions, including:

What to know about avalanche safety in the backcountry?
Travel to Brazil–do I need a yellow fever vaccine?
If I find mice in my home, could I catch hantavirus infection?
Melatonin, magnesium, or something else: What's best for jet lag?
Why do some infections present differently in different places or groups?
How can I tell whether my municipal water contains sufficient fluoride?
Is it safe to visit Germany in spite of poliovirus in the water?

76: Waymo: Is It Way Mo' Safe?

Tue, 25 Nov 2025 02:00:00 -0700

Selamat pagi! Today, travel medicine specialists Drs. Paul Pottinger & Chris Sanford answer your travel health questions, including:

Myocarditis & Moderna–is the risk real?
Is Waymo a safe way to get around?
West Nile Virus in France–really?
What changes are coming up with regulations for European travel?
What should I know about leptospirosis to stay safe?
What Travel apps do you recommend?
How can I get my health insurance to cover pre-travel office visits?
How do you recommend I learn a new language quickly?

75: IV Hydration Spas: Innocuous Fad or "Danger Will Robinson?"

Tue, 18 Nov 2025 02:00:00 -0700

Goedenmorgen! Today, travel medicine specialists Drs. Paul Pottinger & Chris Sanford answer your travel health questions, including:

IV hydration spas are everwhere... are they safe?
Do I need to be immunized against diphtheria?
Prickly Heat and Disney Vasculitis–What’s the difference?
What is hepatitis E?
Rotten Air BNB with nice hosts… ethics of an honest review?
WTF is up with chikungunya on Long Island?
How to avoid–and treat–low back pain on long trips?
How can I tell if I'm fit enough for an upcoming trip?

74: Risk on the Road–How Much is Too Much?

Tue, 11 Nov 2025 02:00:00 -0700

Apa khabar? Today, travel medicine specialists Drs. Paul Pottinger & Chris Sanford answer your travel health questions, including:

What level of risk is acceptable for you, and for me?
OK what is the latest hurdle to jump for getting my COVID-19 shot?
What lightweight items do you pack to bring you joy when you travel?
Are they really going to split up MMRV, and my kid will now need 4 shots instead of 1 before we move to Kenya?
Should I always follow my local guide's advice?
What do I need to know about a disease, and a vaccine for it, before I agree to get the vaccine?
Given the current political climate in the U.S. and its impact on the other nations, should I avoid international travel because everyone now hates Americans?

73: Tale of the Twisted Testicle

Tue, 04 Nov 2025 02:00:00 -0700

Talitali fiefia! Today, travel medicine specialists Drs. Paul Pottinger & Chris Sanford answer your travel health questions, including:

Should I wait for the newest WHO recommended flu shot ingredients?
I can I give myself a flu vaccine at home, but should I?
What pneumonia shot is best for me--20 or 21 flavors?
Any safety considerations for travel to Morocco?
What do you make of all these people stranded on Mt. Everest?
Please tell me I will not lose a testicle to torsion during a long flight!
You talked recently about bats in a cooler… what if one ends up in my MOUTH!
What's the safest way to get from airport to hotel?

72: Bat in a Cooler: What to Do?

Tue, 28 Oct 2025 02:00:00 -0700

Aluu! Today, travel medicine specialists Drs. Paul Pottinger & Chris Sanford answer your travel health questions, including:

I’ve got a bat in a cooler… what should I do?
How to prep for a wedding in India?
Can I depend on internet in Italy & Germany?
Acetaminophen: what are the real risks of taking it?
Detoxing on vacation: How to do it right?
Will swimming with manatees rot my brain?
How can I avoid riptides, and what to do if I get caught in one?
Will the ozone hole be dangerous on my upcoming trip to Antarctica?

71: Hotel Ice Machines: Don’t Get Slimed!

Tue, 21 Oct 2025 02:00:00 -0700

Mālō e lelei! Today, travel medicine specialists Drs. Paul Pottinger & Chris Sanford answer your travel health questions, including:

What should I do when rafting through hydraulics?
Can I be protected against HPV even after age 26?
What should I do if a typhoon approaches?
Norovirus when cruising to Mazatlan... how can I avoid it?
What tips do you have for finding affordable international airfares?
I think hotel ice machines are gross... am I crazy?
What happens if I show up at a US airport without "Real ID"?
I'm headed to Africa: Should I get vaccinated against measles?

70: Keeping Kiddos Healthy During Travel, with Pediatrician Sheila Mackell, MD

Tue, 14 Oct 2025 02:00:00 -0700

Yutta Hey! Today, travel medicine specialists Drs. Paul Pottinger & Chris Sanford talk with pediatrician Dr. Sheila Mackell about ways to keep kids healthy when traveling abroad:

What are the health benefits for kids during travel?
Where should parents turn for vaccine advice during these strange times?
Malaria prevention medications: Safe for children?
Insect repellents: Which are safest and best for kids?
Kids and diarrhea: What to know, what to do?
How to optimize car safety and kids overseas?
Any water safety tips for travel?
How can parents care for common skin issues during travel?
What about sunscreen: Which is best for kids?
Please tell us more about Operation Smile!
What can we learn from the International Society of Travel Medicine?

And Germ shares some of his top reasons to visit the incredible nation of Nepal.

We hope you enjoy this podcast! If so, please follow us on the socials @germ.and.worm, subscribe to our RSS feed and share with your friends! We would so appreciate your rating and review to help us grow our audience. And, please send us your questions and travel health anecdotes: germandworm@gmail.com. And, please visit our website: germandworm.com.

Our Disclaimer: The Germ and Worm Podcast is designed to inform, inspire, and entertain. However, this podcast does NOT establish a doctor-patient relationship, and it should NOT replace your conversation with a qualified healthcare professional. Please see one before your next adventure. The opinions in this podcast are Dr. Mackell's, Sanford’s & Dr. Pottinger’s alone, and do not necessarily represent the opinions of the University of Washington or UW Medicine.

69: Marmot: It's NOT for Dinner!

Tue, 07 Oct 2025 02:00:00 -0700

Caixo! Today, travel medicine specialists Drs. Paul Pottinger & Chris Sanford answer your travel health questions, including:

Why can tot tubbing make you pass out?
Hypothermia: What is it, how to avoid it, what to do if it happens?
Can we get a reliable flu shot this year?
Plague in Mongolia…. From Marmots? Can I travel there if immunosuppressed?
Are Germ & Worm board-certified in Travel Medicine?
Are there issues with catching Nipah virus from sampling palm wine in Bangladesh?
I love to travel but getting there stresses me out… help?

We hope you enjoy this podcast! If so, please follow us on the socials @germ.and.worm, subscribe to our RSS feed and share with your friends! We would so appreciate your rating and review to help us grow our audience. And, please send us your questions and travel health anecdotes: germandworm@gmail.com. And, please visit our website: germandworm.com.

68: Safety on Two Wheels, with Bicycle Safety Expert Tom Sanford, MD

Tue, 30 Sep 2025 02:00:00 -0700

Aloha! Today, travel medicine specialist Dr. Chris Sanford ("Worm") speaks with bicycle superstar and safety enthusiast Dr. Tom Sanford about ways to have a fun, safe cycling experience during international travel. Want to know what a "MAMIL" is? Just listen to find out....

We're also happy to introduce a new segment at G&W called, "Why You Should Go," where we share our personal takes on destinations we have loved and recommend highly. Today, Chris will share his thoughts on visiting Peru.

We hope you enjoy this podcast! If so, please follow us on the socials @germ.and.worm, subscribe to our RSS feed and share with your friends! We would so appreciate your rating and review to help us grow our audience. And, please send us your questions and travel health anecdotes: germandworm@gmail.com. And, please visit our website: germandworm.com.

67: Plague in America!

Tue, 23 Sep 2025 02:00:00 -0700

Goeie Dag! Today, travel medicine specialists Drs. Paul Pottinger ("Germ") and Chris Sanford ("Worm") answer YOUR travel health questions, including:

Is there really plague in California?
Is DEET safe to use?
Will I get stung by a box jellyfish when diving in Belize?
Hiking in rattlesnake country: should I carry antivenom?
Should I worry about COVID-19 as I plan a trip to Malta?
Do you travel independently or with a group?
What dehydrated meals do you recommend?

We hope you enjoy this podcast! If so, please follow us on the socials @germ.and.worm, subscribe to our RSS feed and share with your friends! We would so appreciate your rating and review to help us grow our audience. And, please send us your questions and travel health anecdotes: germandworm@gmail.com. And, please visit our website: germandworm.com.

66: Will You Play with a Bearded Dragon?

Tue, 16 Sep 2025 02:00:00 -0700

Sain baina uu! Today, travel medicine specialists Drs. Paul Pottinger ("Germ") and Chris Sanford ("Worm") answer YOUR travel health questions, including:

Did RFK Jr. demand a journal retract a vaccine article?
Humira and Mongolia--how to prepare?
What's up with chikungunya vaccines this week?
Can I get Salmonella infection from a pet bearded dragon?
How to reduce drowning risk, and what to do if you rescue a struggling swimmer?
Dental injuries in the wild–what to do in the Canadian wilderness?
Heat exhaustion vs heat stroke?

We hope you enjoy this podcast! If so, please follow us on the socials @germ.and.worm, subscribe to our RSS feed and share with your friends! We would so appreciate your rating and review to help us grow our audience. And, please send us your questions and travel health anecdotes: germandworm@gmail.com. And, please visit our website: germandworm.com.

65: The Ferrari of Viruses!

Tue, 09 Sep 2025 02:00:00 -0700

Halo olgeta! Today, travel medicine specialists Drs. Paul Pottinger ("Germ") and Chris Sanford ("Worm") answer YOUR travel health questions, including:

How long should I boil water to make it safe to drink?
What is ciguatera poisoning, and where can I get it?
What is up with USA stopping mRNA vaccine funding?
Can kids still get COVID-19 vaccines?
Where do I need to worry about chikungunya?
Any tips for cutting through online ads to a legit destination website?
Will there be a vaccine for norovirus… please…?
How can I avoid being struck by lightning?

Here's a link to a good article about the challenges of developing a norovirus vaccine.

We hope you enjoy this podcast! If so, please follow us on the socials @germ.and.worm, subscribe to our RSS feed and share with your friends! We would so appreciate your rating and review to help us grow our audience. And, please send us your questions and travel health anecdotes: germandworm@gmail.com. And, please visit our website: germandworm.com.

64: Wait… I should NOT finish my antibiotic course!?

Tue, 02 Sep 2025 02:00:00 -0700

Ahoj! Today, travel medicine specialists Drs. Paul Pottinger ("Germ") and Chris Sanford ("Worm") answer YOUR travel health questions, including:

Best practices for crossing rivers on foot?
Should I always finish a course of antibiotics?
Should I use an online company to purchase pre-packaged meds before my trip?
Is there really dengue fever in Florida?
Should I be immunized for cholera before traveling to Africa?
Wait… there’s malaria in WA state?
Do I need a hep A shot before my European vacation?
Legionnaire's disease... in NYC?

We hope you enjoy this podcast! If so, please follow us on the socials @germ.and.worm, subscribe to our RSS feed and share with your friends! We would so appreciate your rating and review to help us grow our audience. And, please send us your questions and travel health anecdotes: germandworm@gmail.com. And, please visit our website: germandworm.com.

63: Donner Party, anyone? Water, Med Kits, & Diamox with Howard Donner, MD

Tue, 26 Aug 2025 02:00:00 -0700

Hi there! Today, travel medicine specialist Dr. Chris Sanford ("Worm") sits down with internationally recognized expedition medicine expert Dr. Howard Donner, to ask him the questions we hear over and over, including:

How do YOU purify drinking water in the backcountry?
What are the advantages and drawbacks of using a water filter? Or a UV Sterilizer?
How long should we boil water to make it safe for drinking?
Is it important to rid water of viruses before drinking it?
What's in your medical travel kit?
When should people take acetazolamide (Diamox)? And, at what dose?

You can learn more about Dr. Donner here.

We hope you enjoy this podcast! If so, please follow us on the socials @germ.and.worm, subscribe to our RSS feed and share with your friends! We would so appreciate your rating and review to help us grow our audience. And, please send us your questions and travel health anecdotes: germandworm@gmail.com.

Our Disclaimer: The Germ and Worm Podcast is designed to inform, inspire, and entertain. However, this podcast does NOT establish a doctor-patient relationship, and it should NOT replace your conversation with a qualified healthcare professional. Please see one before your next adventure. The opinions in this podcast are Dr. Sanford’s & Dr. Donner’s alone, and do not necessarily represent the opinions of the University of Washington or UW Medicine.

62: Hot Snot, Hot Shot: ENT travel health with Greg Davis, MD

Tue, 19 Aug 2025 02:00:00 -0700

Hoi! Today, travel medicine specialists Drs. Paul Pottinger ("Germ") & Chris Sanford ("Worm") answer your travel health questions:

What are the most common ENT issues you see among travelers?
Why do ears hurt so much when flying--and what to do?
What should I do if I have a cold when I need to fly?
Dry air makes my nasal passages swell: What can I do?
What's in your ENT travel kit?
Nose hairs! Can they safely be trimmed?
How can I deal with seasickness, vertigo, and Mal de Debarquement Syndrome?

You can learn more about Dr. Davis here.

And, please check out the upcoming 10th International Otolaryngology Underwater Update Course in Willemstad Curacao, November 11-14, 2025.

We hope you enjoy this podcast! If so, please follow us on the socials @germ.and.worm, subscribe to our RSS feed and share with your friends! We would so appreciate your rating and review to help us grow our audience. And, please send us your questions and travel health anecdotes: germandworm@gmail.com.

61: Extreme Feet in Extreme Heat: Foot Care with Kyle Allred, PA-C

Tue, 12 Aug 2025 02:00:00 -0700

Terve! Today, travel medicine specialists Drs. Paul Pottinger ("Germ") & Chris Sanford ("Worm") come to you from the National Wilderness Medicine Conference in Snowbird, Utah. They talk with Kyle Allred, PA-C, about your FEET!

How to size your shoes and boots?
What kind of socks are best to prevent blisters?
What to do if a hot spot develops?
If you get a blister, should you pop it?
How can we reduce moisture in the shoe?

These foot care topics and many more.

Please learn more about this amazing conference, now in its 38th year: www.wilderness-medicine.com

Here are links to some of the products Kyle mentioned in our conversation:

Salty Britches Anti-Chafing ointment

Injinji Running Socks

Hexagels

Leukotape

Hypafix tape

Skin Tac Adhesive Wipes

We hope you enjoy this podcast! If so, please follow us on the socials @germ.and.worm, subscribe to our RSS feed and share with your friends! We would so appreciate your rating and review to help us grow our audience. And, please send us your questions and travel health anecdotes: germandworm@gmail.com.

Our Disclaimer: The Germ and Worm Podcast is designed to inform, inspire, and entertain. However, this podcast does NOT establish a doctor-patient relationship, and it should NOT replace your conversation with a qualified healthcare professional. Please see one before your next adventure. The opinions in this podcast are Dr. Sanford’s, Dr. Pottinger’s, and PA Allred's alone, and do not necessarily represent the opinions of the University of Washington or UW Medicine.

60: Hot & Cold with Dr. Eric Weiss

Tue, 05 Aug 2025 02:00:00 -0700

Greetings everyone! Today, travel medicine specialists Drs. Paul Pottinger ("Germ") & Chris Sanford ("Worm") come to you from the National Wilderness Medicine Conference in Snowbird, Utah. They talk with Dr. Eric Weiss about heat and cold emergencies, focused on what you can do to stay safe and healthy in extreme environments.

Please learn more about this amazing conference, now in its 38th year: www.wilderness-medicine.com

We hope you enjoy this podcast! If so, please follow us on the socials @germ.and.worm, subscribe to our RSS feed and share with your friends! We would so appreciate your rating and review to help us grow our audience. And, please send us your questions and travel health anecdotes: germandworm@gmail.com.

Our Disclaimer: The Germ and Worm Podcast is designed to inform, inspire, and entertain. However, this podcast does NOT establish a doctor-patient relationship, and it should NOT replace your conversation with a qualified healthcare professional. Please see one before your next adventure. The opinions in this podcast are Dr. Sanford’s, Dr. Pottinger’s, and Dr. Weiss's alone, and do not necessarily represent the opinions of the University of Washington or UW Medicine.

59: Flesh-Eating Disease in Florida

Tue, 29 Jul 2025 02:00:00 -0700

Sabaidee! Today, travel medicine specialists Drs. Paul Pottinger ("Germ") & Chris Sanford ("Worm") answer your travel health questions:

What's up with flesh-eating disease on Florida beaches?
What is the role of AI in travel health?
I'm 56--should I get the RSV vaccine?
What mosquito-borne infections might I have just contracted in Washington State?
Do you believe trekking poles are beneficial?
What is Global Entry, and is it worth it?
What is antimicrobial resistance?

We hope you enjoy this podcast! If so, please follow us on the socials @germ.and.worm, subscribe to our RSS feed and share with your friends! We would so appreciate your rating and review to help us grow our audience. And, please send us your questions and travel health anecdotes: germandworm@gmail.com.

58: Sharks--Don't Provoke Them!

Tue, 22 Jul 2025 02:00:00 -0700

Kuzuzangpo la! Today, travel medicine specialists Drs. Paul Pottinger ("Germ") & Chris Sanford ("Worm") answer your travel health questions:

Should I worry about shark bites?
How can I travel to Honduras if I have no proof of measles immunity?
What’s the best way to permethrinize my clothing?
Can I get the yellow fever vaccine if I am allergic to eggs?
Any value of trying homeopathic remedies or probiotics for travel illness?
Will global warming bring risk of unfrozen infection outbreaks?
What do you think of the Kardia app?

We hope you enjoy this podcast! If so, please follow us on the socials @germ.and.worm, subscribe to our RSS feed and share with your friends! We would so appreciate your rating and review to help us grow our audience. And, please send us your questions and travel health anecdotes: germandworm@gmail.com.

57: Haunted by Hanta

Tue, 15 Jul 2025 02:00:00 -0700

Hola! Today, travel medicine specialists Drs. Paul Pottinger ("Germ") & Chris Sanford ("Worm") answer your travel health questions:

What's up with hantavirus in Arizona?
How do you stay caffeinated when on the road?
What's the deal with mpox infections on cruise ships?
How do I best listen to my body to ensure I stay healthy when traveling?
I'm told by my parents that I had a rash with penicillin when I was a child--am I still allergic?
What do you think of the TimeShifter app for jetlag?
What should I know about oropouche infection?

We hope you enjoy this podcast! If so, please follow us on the socials @germ.and.worm, subscribe to our RSS feed and share with your friends! We would so appreciate your rating and review to help us grow our audience. And, please send us your questions and travel health anecdotes: germandworm@gmail.com.

56: Appendix Out Before Sailing?

Tue, 08 Jul 2025 02:00:00 -0700

Marhaba! Today, travel medicine specialists Drs. Paul Pottinger ("Germ") & Chris Sanford ("Worm") answer your travel health questions:

Should I take antibiotics for appendicitis before I sail to Hawaii... or get it removed?
Is Bilharzia a concern on the Zambezi?
I'm planning a trip to USA for the World Cup... what should I worry about?
How can I prevent frostbite in Patagonia?
Any tips for coping with heat and humidity in the tropics?
Should I be screened for infections after returning from Peru?
Where do I need a visa to visit?
What's up with the new medication to prevent HIV?

We hope you enjoy this podcast! If so, please follow us on the socials @germ.and.worm, subscribe to our RSS feed and share with your friends! We would so appreciate your rating and review to help us grow our audience. And, please send us your questions and travel health anecdotes: germandworm@gmail.com.

55: Armadillos: Keep Your Hands to Yourself!

Tue, 01 Jul 2025 02:00:00 -0700

Shalom! Today, travel medicine specialists Drs. Paul Pottinger ("Germ") & Chris Sanford ("Worm") answer your travel health questions:

Traveler's Diarrhea: How to avoid it, and will treatment help prevent complications?
Can I catch leprosy from an armadillo?
Rabies: Can I tell from an animal’s behavior whether it is rabid?
Dengue fever vaccines: is that a thing?
Is it safe to use loperamide when I get traveler's diarrhea?
Should I use a condom even if I'm already on HIV PrEP?

We hope you enjoy this podcast! If so, please follow us on the socials @germ.and.worm, subscribe to our RSS feed and share with your friends! We would so appreciate your rating and review to help us grow our audience. And, please send us your questions and travel health anecdotes: germandworm@gmail.com.

54: Vaccine-Preventable Illness: NOT FAKE NEWS

Tue, 24 Jun 2025 02:00:00 -0700

Buongiorno! Today, travel medicine specialists Drs. Paul Pottinger ("Germ") & Chris Sanford ("Worm") answer your travel health questions:

Should I get vaccinated for COIVD-19 even though CDC no longer recommends it?
What is DARK tourism and should I avoid it?
Is Chikungunya vaccine right for me?
What about tickborne encephalitis in Europe, should I get a immunized?
Travel sounds dangerous... why should I even bother?

We hope you enjoy this podcast! If so, please follow us on the socials @germ.and.worm, subscribe to our RSS feed and share with your friends! We would so appreciate your rating and review to help us grow our audience. And, please send us your questions and travel health anecdotes: germandworm@gmail.com.

And we hope you will join us for the upcoming UW Travel Medicine CME, June 26-27, 2025, In Seattle and online.

53: Monkey Bites! How NOT to get bitten, and what to do if you do....

Tue, 17 Jun 2025 02:00:00 -0700

Om Swastiastu! Today, travel medicine specialists Drs. Paul Pottinger ("Germ") & Chris Sanford ("Worm") answer your travel health questions:

Do wearable devices and the internet of things really improve travel health?
What antibiotic should I take for travelers diarrhea if I am allergic to penicillin?
How can I keep my tourist dollars in the local economy, and avoid greenwashing?
What's the deal with vaccine costs worldwide?
Monkey Bites–can they transmit rabies?
Is paracetamol the same as acetaminophen?
Should I get a cholera vaccine?

We hope you enjoy this podcast! If so, please follow us on the socials @germ.and.worm, subscribe to our RSS feed and share with your friends! We would so appreciate your rating and review to help us grow our audience. And, please send us your questions and travel health anecdotes: germandworm@gmail.com.

And we hope you will join us for the upcoming UW Travel Medicine CME, June 26-27, 2025, In Seattle and online.

52: Mobile Health Apps… Ready for Prime Time?

Tue, 10 Jun 2025 02:00:00 -0700

Doberdon! Today, travel medicine specialists Drs. Paul Pottinger ("Germ") & Chris Sanford ("Worm") answer your travel health questions:

Are there regulations to protect mountain guides and porters?
Do Good Samaritan laws protect me when I’m overseas?
Should I share my malaria prophylaxis when asked by a local person?
Is insurance—medical and evacuation--mandatory before a remote expedition?
Regarding mountain climbing: do political and/or financial factors come into play for the companies that set climbing schedules?
Are mobile health apps of benefit?
What diseases can I get from drinking unpasteurized milk?
How may I digitize my Yellow Fever vaccine information?

We hope you enjoy this podcast! If so, please follow us on the socials @germ.and.worm, subscribe to our RSS feed and share with your friends! We would so appreciate your rating and review to help us grow our audience. And, please send us your questions and travel health anecdotes: germandworm@gmail.com.

And we hope you will join us for the upcoming UW Travel Medicine CME, June 26-27, 2025, In Seattle and online.

51: Bus… Rental Car… or Hire a Driver? What’s best for you?

Tue, 03 Jun 2025 02:00:00 -0700

Annyeonghaseyo! Today, travel medicine specialists Drs. Paul Pottinger ("Germ") & Chris Sanford ("Worm") answer your travel health questions:

What do I have to do to get through airport security with the new Real ID system?
I’m climbing mountains in South America. I’m going up to 16K or even 18K feet. Should I take a pulse oximeter?
When traveling between cities in Europe, which do you think is better—renting a car, or hiring a driver, or taking a bus?
Does the shingles vaccine have a bad side effect profile?
What’s the deal with the U.S. Dept. of State’s Travel Advisory system?
What if I want a vaccine that’s not available in the USA?
How can I find a good doctor when I’m traveling overseas?
How do I read labels on medications—and everything else—in languages I don’t speak?

We hope you enjoy this podcast! If so, please follow us on the socials @germ.and.worm, subscribe to our RSS feed and share with your friends! We would so appreciate your rating and review to help us grow our audience. And, please send us your questions and travel health anecdotes: germandworm@gmail.com.

And we hope you will join us for the upcoming UW Travel Medicine CME, June 26-27, 2025, In Seattle and online.

50: MAY-laria 2025!

Tue, 27 May 2025 02:00:00 -0700

Salaam! Today, travel medicine specialists Drs. Paul Pottinger ("Germ") & Chris Sanford ("Worm") answer your travel health questions about Malaria:

What's up with the malaria life cycle?
Are there different kinds of malaria?
Can you ever be truly cured of malaria, or is it with you forever once you catch it?
Can I take a self-testing kit when I travel?
Is there a malaria vaccine?
Is mefloquine really neurotoxic?
Is it safe fore me to just watch out for malaria instead of taking medication?

We hope you enjoy this podcast! If so, please follow us on the socials @germ.and.worm, subscribe to our RSS feed and share with your friends! We would so appreciate your rating and review to help us grow our audience. And, please send us your questions and travel health anecdotes: germandworm@gmail.com.

And we hope you will join us for the upcoming UW Travel Medicine CME, June 26-27, 2025, In Seattle and online.

49: Your Allergy Questions Answered by Dr. Zachary Rubin

Tue, 20 May 2025 02:00:00 -0700

Hello! Today, travel medicine specialists Drs. Paul Pottinger ("Germ") & Chris Sanford ("Worm") welcome special guest Dr. Zachary Rubin who will answer your travel health questions focused on allergies:

I’m allergic to peanuts, how can I stay safe during my upcoming trip to Thailand?
Can I trust food labeling in foreign countries? Asking because I have multiple food allergies.
What’s the best way to find out about pollen counts in foreign cities?
Can I rely on antihistamines purchased overseas?
How can I cope with pollen allergies when traveling overseas?
Can I trust supplements that claim to boost my immune system when I travel?
Any special tips for people allergic to bee stings when traveling?
My eczema flares when I travel... help!
Tips for eye allergy symptoms when I travel?
Should I use benadryl to help me cope with allergies and jet lag, and if so what doses do you recommend?
Is there a way to measure the strength of my immune system?

Please learn more about our guest: oakbrookallergists.com, follow him on the socials @rubin_allergy, and check out his new book "All About Allergies."

We hope you enjoy this podcast! If so, please follow us on the socials @germ.and.worm, subscribe to our RSS feed and share with your friends. We would so appreciate your rating and review to help us grow our audience. And, please send us your questions and travel health anecdotes: germandworm@gmail.com.

Our Disclaimer: The Germ and Worm Podcast is designed to inform, inspire, and entertain. However, this podcast does NOT establish a doctor-patient relationship, and it should NOT replace your conversation with a qualified healthcare professional. Please see one before your next adventure. The opinions in this podcast are Dr. Rubin's, Dr. Sanford’s & Dr. Pottinger’s alone, and do not necessarily represent the opinions of the University of Washington or UW Medicine.

48: Your Vaccine Questions Answered by Zachary Rubin, MD

Tue, 13 May 2025 02:00:00 -0700

Hi there! Today, travel medicine specialists Drs. Paul Pottinger ("Germ") & Chris Sanford ("Worm") welcome special guest Dr. Zachary Rubin who will answer your travel health questions focused on vaccines:

When it comes to immunity, which is better: Natural or Vaccine-induced?
How many vaccines at once are too many?
Does jet lag suppress my immune system?
We plan to travel to Costa Rica with our sons who are 9 and 7 years old. Why do they need to be immunized before travel for all these rare diseases we never see anymore?
What consequences do you worry about regarding immunizations or immunology science because of funding cuts at HHS, FDA, CDC, NIH?
There are a ton of supplements on the market claiming to boost my immune system. Do any of them work?
I just got assigned to travel to India for work–I need to leave in 36 hours from now, and I’m scrambling to get my shots before I go! Will they still work for me at this late date?
My doctor tells me that getting a COVID-19 booster is important before my upcoming trip around the world… but I really worry about what it could do to my DNA. What does Dr. Rubin say about that?
From Darlene in Portland: MMR vaccine: safe or poison? Why all the social media buzz? RFK, Jr. says he’s going to find the cause of autism ASAP. Your thoughts?

Please learn more about our guest: oakbrookallergists.com, follow him on the socials @rubin_allergy, and check out his new book "All About Allergies."

Our Disclaimer: The Germ and Worm Podcast is designed to inform, inspire, and entertain. However, this podcast does NOT establish a doctor-patient relationship, and it should NOT replace your conversation with a qualified healthcare professional. Please see one before your next adventure. The opinions in this podcast are Dr. Rubin's, Dr. Sanford’s & Dr. Pottinger’s alone, and do not necessarily represent the opinions of the University of Washington or UW Medicine.

47: Hot Snot! The cold truth about your nasal discharge

Tue, 06 May 2025 02:00:00 -0700

Yassou! Today, travel medicine specialists Drs. Paul Pottinger ("Germ") & Chris Sanford ("Worm") answer your travel health questions:

Inhaled steroids and antibiotics for measles, please say it ain’t so!
My sister's cats have fleas! What can I do when I visit her?
Salt water–safe to drink in any amount?
Food on the floor: Is the 5-second rule true?
How can I prevent sea sickness on the ferry from Spain to Morocco?
What about the color of my snot–does it reveal viral vs bacterial causes of my sinusitis?
Can I trust Google Maps?
Can I pleeeeease get immunized against dengue?

We hope you enjoy this podcast! If so, please follow us on the socials @germ.and.worm, subscribe to our RSS feed and share with your friends! We would so appreciate your rating and review to help us grow our audience. And, please send us your questions and travel health anecdotes: germandworm@gmail.com.

46: Toilet seats, THC, and Cuy… Oh My!

Tue, 29 Apr 2025 02:00:00 -0700

Zdravo! Today, travel medicine specialists Drs. Paul Pottinger ("Germ") & Chris Sanford ("Worm") answer your travel health questions:

What infections can I catch from a toilet seat?
Any advice for a traveler who likes their comforts and conveniences?
How safe is that welcome fruit basket in the hotel?
Any safety issues with getting a haircut and shave on the road?
How worried should I be about germs emerging from thawed permafrost?
How can I keep my nasal saline irrigation safe during travel?
I plan to eat cuy in Peru... is this safe?
Any issues with traveling with my medical marijuana?
Will airport x-ray machines ruin condoms in my luggage?
How safe are busses in Mexico?

We hope you enjoy this podcast! If so, please follow us on the socials @germ.and.worm, subscribe to our RSS feed and share with your friends! We would so appreciate your rating and review to help us grow our audience. And, please send us your questions and travel health anecdotes: germandworm@gmail.com.

45: Vitamin A--Too Much of a Good Thing?

Tue, 22 Apr 2025 02:00:00 -0700

Maingalarpar! Today, travel medicine specialists Drs. Paul Pottinger ("Germ") & Chris Sanford ("Worm") answer your travel health questions:

Do I need anything beyond meningococcal vaccination before the Hajj?
How can I prepare better for the chaos of TSA rules at the airport?
Should I get a Tdap before visiting Peru?
Is my phone subject to search when I cross the border?
Is the USA the only high-income nation with measles transmission now?
Are there harms from taking TOO MUCH vitamin A?
What do you think of the resignation of FDA's top vaccine official?
What should I do if I lose my glasses while I'm overseas?
Should I stock up on antibiotics when I'm at a pharmacy overseas?
Is it safe to rent a car internationally?

We hope you enjoy this podcast! If so, please follow us on the socials @germ.and.worm, subscribe to our RSS feed and share with your friends! We would so appreciate your rating and review to help us grow our audience. And, please send us your questions and travel health anecdotes: germandworm@gmail.com.

44: Vaccine Record Chaos? There’s an app for that

Tue, 15 Apr 2025 02:00:00 -0700

Sin Chao! Today, travel medicine specialists Drs. Paul Pottinger ("Germ") & Chris Sanford ("Worm") answer your travel health questions:

Just how unsafe is it to drive when I travel?
Norovirus: How long does it last in the environment, and when will we have a vaccine?
How can I become a more ethical traveler?
Friendly reminder to check with your veterinarian before international travel with pets.
What should I pack in my take-on bag vs checked bag?
How should I best keep track of my vaccine records?
How can I handle the chaos of travel schedules overseas?
What's up with the Ixchiq chikungunya vaccine?
Will my cat get sick with bird flu from raw food?

We hope you enjoy this podcast! If so, please follow us on the socials @germ.and.worm, subscribe to our RSS feed and share with your friends! We would so appreciate your rating and review to help us grow our audience. And, please send us your questions and travel health anecdotes: germandworm@gmail.com.

43: Cod liver oil to prevent measles? Oh hell no!

Tue, 08 Apr 2025 02:00:00 -0700

Aloha! Today, travel medicine specialists Drs. Paul Pottinger ("Germ") & Chris Sanford ("Worm") answer your travel health questions:

Do I need to take malaria pills to visit an eco-lodge in Guyana?
What's the cause of all these little red bumps in a family after travel to Costa Rica?
Should I get a yellow fever vaccine booster 15 years after my first shot?
Are there issues seeing a private ARNP for pre-travel advice?
Any tips for general travel success?
What’s the deal with plans for flu vaccines for next year?
What can I do to calm my nerves when I can't smoke or vape in the air?
Will vitamin A really prevent measles?

We hope you enjoy this podcast! If so, please follow us on the socials @germ.and.worm, subscribe to our RSS feed and share with your friends! We would so appreciate your rating and review to help us grow our audience. And, please send us your questions and travel health anecdotes: germandworm@gmail.com.

42: TB or Not TB? That is the Question! (With Dr. Adrienne Shapiro)

Tue, 01 Apr 2025 02:00:00 -0700

Pryvit! Today, travel medicine specialists Drs. Paul Pottinger ("Germ") & Chris Sanford ("Worm") devote an entire episode to the most common deadly infection on Earth: tuberculosis. They answer your travel health questions about TB, and host a very special guest: Adrienne Shapiro MD, PhD, who provides an update on the critical situation with current US federal policy on TB. Topics we will discuss:

What is TB?
Are there different kinds of tuberculosis?
How common is TB?
Is there a TB vaccine? If so, should I get one before I travel overseas?
How is TB diagnosed?
What is the best way to treat TB?
What's the impact of US federal policy on TB prevention, care, and research?

We hope you enjoy this podcast! If so, please follow us on the socials @germ.and.worm, subscribe to our RSS feed and share with your friends! We would so appreciate your rating and review to help us grow our audience. And, please send us your questions and travel health anecdotes: germandworm@gmail.com.

Our Disclaimer: The Germ and Worm Podcast is designed to inform, inspire, and entertain. However, this podcast does NOT establish a doctor-patient relationship, and it should NOT replace your conversation with a qualified healthcare professional. Please see one before your next adventure. The opinions in this podcast are Dr. Shapiro's, Dr. Sanford’s & Dr. Pottinger’s alone, and do not necessarily represent the opinions of the University of Washington or UW Medicine.

41: Women's Travel Health Questions with Dr. Karen Tang

Tue, 25 Mar 2025 02:00:00 -0700

Hi there! Today, travel medicine specialists Drs. Paul Pottinger ("Germ") & Chris Sanford ("Worm") are so excited to host Dr. Karen Tang, an expert gynecologist, to answer your travel health questions from our women listeners:

Is it OK for me to skip my period for an upcoming holiday?
How should I handle timing of my oral contraceptive pills across time zones?
Are there certain forms of birth control well-suited for long trips abroad?
What can I do to reduce the risk of a UTI or yeast infection?
Will antibiotics or antimalarials interfere with my oral contraceptives?
Will my estrogen HRT patch get messed up by snorkeling?
Should I bring my own condoms for my next overseas trip?
Will my doctor prescribe medical abortion pills before my upcoming long trip abroad.
What are the chances I can find my preferred hygiene products during vacation in Morocco?

Special shout out to Dr. Tang's followers: We hope you enjoy this podcast! If so, please follow us on the socials @germ.and.worm, subscribe to our RSS feed and share with your friends! We would so appreciate your rating and review to help us grow our audience. And, please send us your questions and travel health anecdotes: germandworm@gmail.com.

Please follow Dr. Tang on the socials: @karentangmd, check out her book It's Not Hysteria, and learn more about her practice www.thrivegyn.com.

Our Disclaimer: The Germ and Worm Podcast is designed to inform, inspire, and entertain. However, this podcast does NOT establish a doctor-patient relationship, and it should NOT replace your conversation with a qualified healthcare professional. Please see one before your next adventure. The opinions in this podcast are Dr. Tang's, Dr. Sanford’s & Dr. Pottinger’s alone, and do not necessarily represent the opinions of the University of Washington or UW Medicine.

40: Lordy Lordy It's Episode Forty!

Tue, 18 Mar 2025 02:00:00 -0700

Gutentag! Today, travel medicine specialists Drs. Paul Pottinger ("Germ") & Chris Sanford ("Worm") answer your travel health questions:

What should I know about cholera before I travel?
What are the implications of CDC no longer meeting to discuss vaccines?
What essentials should I pack for a day hike?
What are the ABCs of hepatitis A, B, and C?
Should I visit as many countries as I can?
Any special health concerns for a trip to Rio for Carnival?
Is this really a bad year for flu, and is it too late for me to get immunized?
Any safety tips for safety when road cycling in Europe?

We hope you enjoy this podcast! If so, please follow us on the socials @germ.and.worm, subscribe to our RSS feed and share with your friends! We would so appreciate your rating and review to help us grow our audience. And, please send us your questions and travel health anecdotes: germandworm@gmail.com.

39: Oooooo Capybara!

Tue, 11 Mar 2025 02:00:00 -0700

Gutentag! Today, travel medicine specialists Drs. Paul Pottinger ("Germ") & Chris Sanford ("Worm") answer your travel health questions:

How can I boost my immune system?
What is a "neglected tropical disease?"
Is leprosy a concern for travelers?
What is up with measles (including in Texas?)
Do you ever recommend canceling a trip?
Any health concerns with capybaras?
Is whitewater rafting dangerous?
Leaches... How do I avoid them and remove them?

We hope you enjoy this podcast! If so, please follow us on the socials @germ.and.worm, subscribe to our RSS feed and share with your friends! We would so appreciate your rating and review to help us grow our audience. And, please send us your questions and travel health anecdotes: germandworm@gmail.com.

38: Who's the WHO and what do they do for YOU?

Tue, 04 Mar 2025 02:00:00 -0700

Salaam! Today, travel medicine specialists Drs. Paul Pottinger ("Germ") & Chris Sanford ("Worm") answer your travel health questions:

What's the WHO and what do they do?
Did azithromycin just give me "sun hives"?
Is Chris a mountaineer, too?
Is it safe to visit Kansas City in light of the TB epidemic there?
How can I reduce the chance of being robbed or mugged?
What do you think of the TimeShifter jet lag app?
When can I donate blood after contracting typhoid?
What should I do if I step on a weaverfish?

We hope you enjoy this podcast! If so, please follow us on the socials @germ.and.worm, subscribe to our RSS feed and share with your friends! We would so appreciate your rating and review to help us grow our audience. And, please send us your questions and travel health anecdotes: germandworm@gmail.com.

37: Bedbugs, Bovine Colostrum, Ice Cream, and Fugu!

Tue, 25 Feb 2025 02:00:00 -0700

Konnichiwa! Today, travel medicine specialists Drs. Paul Pottinger ("Germ") & Chris Sanford ("Worm") answer your travel health questions:

Will bovine colostrum prevent traveler's diarrhea?
How do I know if my hotel has bedbugs?
Is flu season the same around the world?
Why is wool "smarter" than cotton?
Should I avoid eating pufferfish in Japan?
Should I change my plans to visit Uganda in light of the Ebola outbreak?
Should I be immunized against meningitis before travel to Africa?
Is it safe to eat ice cream when I travel?

We hope you enjoy this podcast! If so, please follow us on the socials @germ.and.worm, subscribe to our RSS feed and share with your friends! We would so appreciate your rating and review to help us grow our audience. And, please send us your questions and travel health anecdotes: germandworm@gmail.com.

36: Squat Toilets, Vaccines, Marburg Virus, and Wildfires

Tue, 18 Feb 2025 02:00:00 -0700

Ola! Today, travel medicine specialists Drs. Paul Pottinger ("Germ") & Chris Sanford ("Worm") answer your travel health questions:

How many shots are too many at once for a baby?
Is it OK to eat street food in Morocco?
There’s Marburg Virus in Tanzania, should that impact my plans for safari?
What can I do to reduce motion sickness from airplane turbulence?
What's the difference between a live and a dead vaccine?
What’s the difference between a bacteria, a virus, and a protozoa?
I want to visit Disney Land, but is that OK with the wildfires?
I'm worried about using a squat-style toilet in India, am I crazy?

We hope you enjoy this podcast! If so, please follow us on the socials @germ.and.worm, subscribe to our RSS feed and share with your friends! We would so appreciate your rating and review to help us grow our audience. And, please send us your questions and travel health anecdotes: germandworm@gmail.com.

35: Germ, Worm, and Screwworms!

Tue, 11 Feb 2025 02:00:00 -0700

Bonjour! Today, travel medicine specialists Drs. Paul Pottinger ("Germ") & Chris Sanford ("Worm") answer your travel health questions:

How do I pack clothing for warm & cold climates into my carry on bag?
Should I get vaccinated for Hepatitis A before a trip to France?
What’s the deal with screwworm and pets in Mexico?
What is tetanus, and have you ever seen a case of it?
How can I safely prepare my salad before eating it overseas?
Can I obtain my same OCP when traveling abroad?
Should I get immunized against rabies before I travel, or afterwards just if I need to?
What concentration of DEET is best, and what do you recommend?

We hope you enjoy this podcast! If so, please follow us on the socials @germ.and.worm, subscribe to our RSS feed and share with your friends! We would so appreciate your rating and review to help us grow our audience. And, please send us your questions and travel health anecdotes: germandworm@gmail.com.

34: DENGUE all day long

Tue, 04 Feb 2025 02:00:00 -0700

Nihao! Today, travel medicine specialists Drs. Paul Pottinger ("Germ") & Chris Sanford ("Worm") answer your travel health questions about Dengue Fever, including:

What IS Dengue "break-bone" fever?

Where can you catch Dengue?

Is Dengue becoming more common? If so, why?

Are there multiple types of Dengue?

What are the complications of Dengue?

How should Dengue be treated?

Is there a vaccine to prevent Dengue?

Is there a role for mosquito avoidance in preventing Dengue?

What does the future hold for Dengue?

We also chat about the impressive vaccine advocacy work of the GAVI Alliance, please check them out: www.gavi.org.

We hope you enjoy this podcast! If so, please follow us on the socials @germ.and.worm, subscribe to our RSS feed and share with your friends! We would so appreciate your rating and review to help us grow our audience. And, please send us your questions and travel health anecdotes: germandworm@gmail.com.

33: Caffeine, Mulberries, Norovirus, Typhoid, Aspirin, and Flu!

Tue, 28 Jan 2025 02:00:00 -0700

Jambo! Today, travel medicine specialists Drs. Paul Pottinger ("Germ") & Chris Sanford ("Worm") answer your travel health questions:

How can I deal with caffeine withdrawals while traveling?

Should I travel to Shanghai in light of all the HMPV there?

Will elderberry extract protect me from catching a cold, or help with my symptoms?

Can a baby aspirin prevent blood clots during a long plane ride?

CDC tells doctors now to subtype influenza... why don't you always do that?

How did I catch typhoid fever if I was properly immunized before my trip to northern Chile?

Are all bug repellants the same, or do I need different kinds for different locations?

I wanna get trashed on my upcoming cruise, but not by norovirus... can you help?

We also chat about the incredible land-rights advocacy work of friends at Landesa, please check them out: www.landesa.org.

We hope you enjoy this podcast! If so, please follow us on the socials @germ.and.worm, subscribe to our RSS feed and share with your friends! We would so appreciate your rating and review to help us grow our audience. And, please send us your questions and travel health anecdotes: germandworm@gmail.com.

32: Will murder hornets murder you? Does vitamin C prevent head colds? Is dengue spreading—and what to do about it? What is brucellosis? Is it politically incorrect to call someone a "sherpa?"

Tue, 21 Jan 2025 02:00:00 -0700

Welcome to 2025 everyone! Today, travel medicine specialists Drs. Paul Pottinger ("Germ") & Chris Sanford ("Worm") answer your travel health questions:

Will I get murdered by hornets in Laos?

Do I need to take malaria prevention in Kruger and Etosha?

Please tell people about brucellosis!

I take acetaminophen to help with traveler's diarrhea... is that OK?

What do G+W think about vitamin C to help with the common cold?

Is dengue fever really getting worse?

How to I navigate insurance if I get sick while abroad?

Is it politically incorrect to call someone a "sherpa?"

We hope you enjoy this podcast! If so, please follow us on the socials @germ.and.worm, subscribe to our RSS feed and share with your friends! We would so appreciate your rating and review to help us grow our audience. And, please send us your questions and travel health anecdotes: germandworm@gmail.com.

31: Trekking poles: help or hindrance? What’s the differences between vaccines that are routine, recommended and required? What can the US embassy do for me when I’m abroad? What is pertussis, and how can I avoid it? African Sleeping Sickness--what’s the deal?

Tue, 14 Jan 2025 02:00:00 -0700

Welcome to 2025 everyone! Today, travel medicine specialists Drs. Paul Pottinger ("Germ") & Chris Sanford ("Worm") answer your travel health questions:

What’s the differences between vaccines that are routine, recommended and required?

What is Pertussis, and how can I avoid it?

What can the US embassy do for me when I’m abroad?

African Sleeping Sickness… what’s the deal

Trekking Poles: Help or Hindrance?

Isn't it just safer to stay home?

Wha't the best layover duration from an anxiety perspective?

What's mycoplasma pneumonia?

We hope you enjoy this podcast! If so, please follow us on the socials @germ.and.worm, subscribe to our RSS feed and share with your friends! We would so appreciate your rating and review to help us grow our audience. And, please send us your questions and travel health anecdotes: germandworm@gmail.com.

30: Should we take our kids on a trip to Peru? Is mumps still a thing? Is it dangerous to fly with high blood pressure? What should we know about the new mystery illness in Democratic Republic of Congo?

Tue, 07 Jan 2025 02:00:00 -0700

Welcome to 2025 everyone! Today, travel medicine specialists Drs. Paul Pottinger ("Germ") & Chris Sanford ("Worm") answer your travel health questions:

Should we take our kids on a trip to Peru?

Should I fly on airlines overseas if they have poor safety records?

Is mumps still a thing?

Is it dangerous to fly with high blood pressure?

A friend of mine had a tendon rupture while taking antibiotics, what's the deal with that?

What should we know about the mystery illness in DRC?

Any safety tips for walking the Camino de Santiago?

How high did Germ get on Mt. Everest?

We hope you enjoy this podcast! If so, please follow us on the socials @germ.and.worm, subscribe to our RSS feed and share with your friends! We would so appreciate your rating and review to help us grow our audience. And, please send us your questions and travel health anecdotes: germandworm@gmail.com.

29: How to avoid Vaginal Yeast Infections, “Florence Syndrome”, Cycling Safety in Europe, and Risks of Falling Polio Vaccine Rates

Tue, 31 Dec 2024 02:00:00 -0700

Hi there and Happy New Year! Today, travel medicine specialists Drs. Paul Pottinger ("Germ") & Chris Sanford ("Worm") answer your travel health questions:

What's the deal with falling polio vaccination rates?

How can I avoid getting a yeast infection when I travel?

Do I need a smallpox immunization before I travel?

What's the most important safety feature: Where I go, or what I do when I'm there?

What is "Florence Syndrome?"

Any tips for cycling safely while traveling in Europe?

How soon can I fly after scuba diving?

Anything I can do to reduce my risk of blood clots when I fly?

We hope you enjoy this podcast! If so, please follow us on the socials @germ.and.worm, subscribe to our RSS feed and share with your friends! We would so appreciate your rating and review to help us grow our audience. And, please send us your questions and travel health anecdotes: germandworm@gmail.com.

28: What to tell a speeding taxi driver, hand warmers and frostbite, medications on the go, and Measles in India

Tue, 24 Dec 2024 02:00:00 -0700

Welcome everyone! Today, travel medicine specialists Drs. Paul Pottinger ("Germ") & Chris Sanford ("Worm") answer your travel health questions:

Do I need a measles vaccine before travel to India and Sri Lanka?

Is it a problem if I keep my prescription medications in a plastic bag when I travel?

Will electronic hand warmers protect me from frostbite?

When my taxi driver likes to speed, how can I get them to slow down?

Could my diarrhea be caused by baby carrots?

Any tips for motorcycle safety in Europe?

Why do my coral cuts from Curaçao get infected so much?

Did those olives in Morocco make me queasy?

We hope you enjoy this podcast! If so, please follow us on the socials @germ.and.worm, subscribe to our RSS feed and share with your friends! We would so appreciate your rating and review to help us grow our audience. And, please send us your questions and travel health anecdotes: germandworm@gmail.com.

27: Cuddling with a sloth— a good idea?

Tue, 17 Dec 2024 02:00:00 -0700

Hi there! Today, travel medicine specialists Drs. Paul Pottinger ("Germ") & Chris Sanford ("Worm") answer your travel health questions:

Cryptosporidium and splash pads: What's the deal?

What's the risk of catching bird flu from raw milk?

Any tips for success when visiting Viet Nam?

What typhoid vaccine is best before visiting South America: injectable or oral?

How can I feel better after a long airplane ride?

What insect repellent is best for kids?

Should I avoid cuddling with koalas and other furry beasts when traveling?

We hope you enjoy this podcast! If so, please follow us on the socials @germ.and.worm, subscribe to our RSS feed and share with your friends! We would so appreciate your rating and review to help us grow our audience. And, please send us your questions and travel health anecdotes: germandworm@gmail.com.

26: Petting Cats in Greece, A Passage to India: Malaria or Not Malaria? I’m pregnant—should I go on safari? I’ve got a UTI overseas…what to do?

Tue, 10 Dec 2024 02:00:00 -0700

Yeee Haw! Today, travel medicine specialists Drs. Paul Pottinger ("Germ") & Chris Sanford ("Worm") answer your travel health questions:

Should I take malaria prophylaxis on a trip to India?

I like to pet cats in Greece! Is that a problem?

Any special considerations for older travelers?

I'm pregnant and planning a safari--should I go?

I tend to get UTIs... how should I handle that during travel?

What kind of travelers do you see in your practice?

How can I keep my HIV treatment private at immigration when visiting Japan?

We hope you enjoy this podcast! If so, please follow us on the socials @germ.and.worm, subscribe to our RSS feed and share with your friends! We would so appreciate your rating and review to help us grow our audience. And, please send us your questions and travel health anecdotes: germandworm@gmail.com.

25: Anthrax, Diving Boards, Tickborne Encephalitis, Where Do Germ and Worm Like to Travel?

Tue, 03 Dec 2024 02:00:00 -0700

Heyyyyy there! Today, travel medicine specialists Drs. Paul Pottinger ("Germ") & Chris Sanford ("Worm") answer your travel health questions:

What's happening with Anthrax in Uganda?

What to do when different medical societies say different things?

Are culinary tours risky?

How should hikers in Germany deal with tick-borne encephalitis and Lyme disease?

Can I trust the diving board at a hotel swimming pool?

What is the deal with Bird Flu in Washington State?

Where do Germ & Worm like to travel?

We hope you enjoy this podcast! If so, please follow us on the socials @germ.and.worm, subscribe to our RSS feed and share with your friends! We would so appreciate your rating and review to help us grow our audience. And, please send us your questions and travel health anecdotes: germandworm@gmail.com.

24: Marburg in Rwanda, Outbreaks Following Disasters, Japanese Encephalitis in India

Tue, 26 Nov 2024 02:00:00 -0700

Hi there! Today, travel medicine specialists Drs. Paul Pottinger ("Germ") & Chris Sanford ("Worm") answer your travel health questions:

What's happening with Marburg disease in Rwanda?

Are rabies vaccinations important?

What gift(s) should I bring when visiting a new country?

Japanese encephalitis vaccination: Necessary if visiting Sri Lanka, Turkey, and India?

What's the deal with West Nile Virus infection?

What infectious diseases are likely to spread after a disaster?

What's the deal with Novavax halting its clinical trial of the combined COVID / Flu vaccine?

We hope you enjoy this podcast! If so, please follow us on the socials @germ.and.worm, subscribe to our RSS feed and share with your friends! We would so appreciate your rating and review to help us grow our audience. And, please send us your questions and travel health anecdotes: germandworm@gmail.com.

23: Sleeping high, Diving deep, Worrying Less

Tue, 19 Nov 2024 02:00:00 -0700

Welcome! Today, travel medicine specialists Drs. Paul Pottinger ("Germ") & Chris Sanford ("Worm") answer your travel health questions:

What's happening with mpox in Africa?

How can I tell what food made me sick?

What can I do to sleep better at high altitude?

What's up with the epidemic of kidney disease in Sri Lanka?

I get motion sick when whale watching--help!

Is it safe to get certified as as SCUBA diver at a hotel?

What about SCUBA diving generally--is it safe?

What do Germ & Worm worry about when you travel?

We hope you enjoy this podcast! If so, please follow us on the socials, subscribe to our RSS feed and share with your friends! We would so appreciate your rating and review to help us grow our audience. And, please send us your questions and travel health anecdotes: germandworm@gmail.com.

22: Pour Some Honey on Me!

Tue, 12 Nov 2024 02:00:00 -0700

Welcome! Today, travel medicine specialists Drs. Paul Pottinger ("Germ") & Chris Sanford ("Worm") answer your travel health questions:

Should I apply honey to help heal a wound?

What's the best way to protect my passport?

How should I handle a cat bite on Santorini?

Why do only some people get sick after eating the same contaminated meal?

Are all vaccines equally effective?

When should I see a doctor if I catch traveler's diarrhea?

How can I tell if that swimming pool is safe?

Do I need proof of COVID-19 vaccination to travel in China?

We hope you enjoy this podcast! If so, please subscribe to our RSS feed and share with your friends! We would so appreciate your rating and review to help us grow our audience. And, please send us your questions and travel health anecdotes: germandworm@gmail.com.

21: TICK TALK! All About Ticks: Lyme Disease, Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, and More

Tue, 05 Nov 2024 02:00:00 -0700

Welcome! Today, travel medicine specialists Drs. Paul Pottinger ("Germ") & Chris Sanford ("Worm") answer your travel health questions about TICKS:

How to diagnose Lyme disease?

Should I take antibiotics if I find a tick on my body?

How should I treat Lyme disease?

What's up with chronic Lyme?

Tell me more about Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever...

Can I get the tickborne encephalitis vaccine?

Is babesia really the same as malaria?

How should I remove a tick from my skin?

What's the best way to prevent tick bites?

20: Worm Tales Winner!

Tue, 29 Oct 2024 02:00:00 -0700

Welcome! Today, travel medicine specialists Drs. Paul Pottinger ("Germ") & Chris Sanford ("Worm") answer your travel health questions:

Does the coca leaf help prevent altitude sickness?

Is it safe to travel to East Africa for safari after having a kidney transplant?

Can humanity continue current air travel practices and avoid another viral pandemic?

Do Germ and Worm actually follow their own travel health advice?

Will garlic repel mosquitoes?

What's this rash I caught in Africa?

What about ibuprofen: Can I use it instead of acetazolamide to prevent altitude sickness?

AND, we will reveal the winner of 2024's Worm Tales competition: Share with us the "dumbest" thing you have done while traveling abroad!

19: Traveling Around the World, Lenacapavir, Oral Typhoid Vaccine, What to Read

Tue, 22 Oct 2024 02:00:00 -0700

Welcome! Today, travel medicine specialists Drs. Paul Pottinger ("Germ") & Chris Sanford ("Worm") answer your travel health questions:

Should I get a health screening after an international trip?

Should I get the chikungunya vaccine before visiting Zanzibar?

How should anxious travelers handle their anxiety?

What's the deal with lenacapavir to prevent HIV infection?

How do you advise people who plan to travel around the world?

Are there any issues with taking the oral typhoid vaccine?

What do you read when you travel abroad?

How reliable is AI for travel medicine?

>> Friendly reminder about the WORM TALES competition: Please tell us the dumbest thing you have done while traveling abroad, and you will have the chance to receive an autographed copy of Chris Sanford's book Staying Healthy Abroad. <<

18: Giardia and the 'Rooster Tail' Sign!

Tue, 15 Oct 2024 02:00:00 -0700

Hi, travel health listeners! Today, travel medicine specialists Drs. Paul Pottinger ("Germ") & Chris Sanford ("Worm") answer your travel health questions:

What's up with Giardia?

When do I NOT have to wear bug repellent?

Which is better for purifying water: Iodine or Bleach?

Should I take a medication holiday during my upcoming vacation?

How much water should I drink?

What do you say to people who decline their vaccines?

Do those electronic bug-bite wands really work?

17: Pre-Travel Checklist, DOXY-PEP, The Immunosuppressed Traveler

Tue, 08 Oct 2024 02:00:00 -0700

Hi, travel health listeners! Today, travel medicine specialists Drs. Paul Pottinger ("Germ") & Chris Sanford ("Worm") answer your travel health questions:

How do I make a healthcare checklist prior to departure?

Can I reduce my risk of STDs by taking doxycycline?

Is it safe to travel in Cuba by car given that most don’t have seat belts?

What is the future of COVID-19 immunizations— a once-a-year vaccine or what?

Is it safe to travel if I’m immunosuppressed, or taking immunosuppressive medications?

What is delusional parasitosis?

Should you carry COVID-19 test kits when you travel?

If a hotel in Egypt says their water is filtered and safe—how can I tell if that’s true?

16: Ceviche, Deworming, Vaccines for Germany, and Leftover Medications

Tue, 01 Oct 2024 02:00:00 -0700

Hi, travel health listeners! Today, travel medicine specialists Drs. Paul Pottinger ("Germ") & Chris Sanford ("Worm") answer your travel health questions:

Should I give leftover medications away to locals at the end of my trip?

Is it safe to eat ceviche?

Do I need vaccines to visit Germany?

Should I take a deworming medication after visiting Latin America?

In Laos, is it safer to travel by public bus or private car?

How can I reduce the risk of Lyme disease?

15: Tattoos, Tdap, and Tooting!

Tue, 24 Sep 2024 02:00:00 -0700

Hi, travel health listeners! Today, travel medicine specialists Drs. Paul Pottinger ("Germ") & Chris Sanford ("Worm") answer your travel health questions:

When should I get a tetanus booster?

Why do I toot when I fly?

Why does flu usually come from Southeast Asia each winter?

Wassup with Alaskapox?

Why are viruses named for the place where they are discovered?

Can I safely get a tattoo in Thailand?

Tips for traveling with young kids?

14: UV-Sterilizers, Home-Brewed Hooch, Swimming in Polluted Rivers

Tue, 17 Sep 2024 02:00:00 -0700

Today, travel medicine specialists Drs. Paul Pottinger ("Germ") & Chris Sanford ("Worm") answer your travel health questions:

When can I donate blood after visiting a region with malaria?

Is it safe to swim in polluted rivers while overseas? If my work says I need to travel abroad while pregnant, do I have to?

How well do those UV water purifier thingies work?

Are there any precautions that someone who's had a heart attack should take prior to--and during--an international trip?

How safe are home-brewed alcoholic beverages?

Given dengue fever, is it safe to travel to Cancun and Mexico City while pregnant?

13: MAY-laria (In September!)

Tue, 10 Sep 2024 02:00:00 -0700

Today, travel medicine specialists Drs. Paul Pottinger ("Germ") & Chris Sanford ("Worm") answer your travel health questions, all about MALARIA:

Are mosquitoes attracted to certain colors?

Will DEET dissolve nylon climbing rope?

Can you use medications past their use-by date?

Is there a vaccine for malaria?

What do I do if I need to change from one malaria medication to another?

Can an artificially-produced monoclonal antibody prevent malaria?

What’s the deal with vivax malaria?

Can I test myself for malaria?

12: Worms in Your Eyes, Travel to USVI, Measles Prevention, Volunteering in Kenya

Tue, 03 Sep 2024 02:00:00 -0700

Today, travel medicine specialists Drs. Paul Pottinger ("Germ") & Chris Sanford ("Worm") answer your travel health questions:

Are there worms in Africa that can infect your eyes?

Measles—risk in Zambia and Botswana?

What do people who live in areas with a lot of mosquitoes do to prevent bites?

Does licking yourself prevent mosquito bites?

Do I need to be concerned about drug cartel violence when I travel to Mexico?

Are there any health concerns regarding visiting the U.S. Virgin Islands (USVI)?

Which immunizations are recommended for a medical volunteer in Kenya?

What strategies prevent sinus infections when I travel?

We hope you enjoy this podcast! If so, please subscribe to our RSS feed and share with your friends! And, please send us your questions and travel health anecdotes: germandworm@gmail.com.

11: Is Tasing Your Snakebite a Good Idea? And Should You 'BYOC'?

Tue, 27 Aug 2024 02:00:00 -0700

Today, travel medicine specialists Drs. Paul Pottinger ("Germ") & Chris Sanford ("Worm") answer your travel health questions:

Is there a vaccine for hepatitis C?

How is Guinea worm transmitted, and how do I avoid it?

Should I treat my snakebite by zapping it with a Taser?

Is a virus alive, and how does it mutate?

Is it legal to take condoms through customs?

Can someone pass an earthworm in their poop?

What online resources are reliable regarding travel health?

Should I get the new RSV vaccine?

We hope you enjoy this podcast! If so, please subscribe to our RSS feed and share with your friends! And, please send us your questions and travel health anecdotes: germandworm@gmail.com.

10: Hep B, Liver Flukes, Monkey Bites, and Staying Mobile

Tue, 20 Aug 2024 02:00:00 -0700

Today, travel medicine specialists Drs. Paul Pottinger ("Germ") & Chris Sanford ("Worm") answer your travel health questions:

Watercress—safe to eat?

Should I be immunized for hepatitis B?

How do vaccines work?

Any tips for traveling with mobility issues?

What are the issues with monkey bites in Thailand?

Is it safe to eat fruits and vegetables while abroad?

How do I prevent ear pain during jet travel?

We hope you enjoy this podcast! If so, please subscribe to our RSS feed and share with your friends! And, please send us your questions and travel health anecdotes: germandworm@gmail.com.

9: Hep A, Urchins, Japan, and Spam!

Tue, 13 Aug 2024 02:00:00 -0700

Today, travel medicine specialists Drs. Paul Pottinger ("Germ") & Chris Sanford ("Worm") answer your travel health questions:

Do I need to be immunized for hepatitis A?

What’s the difference between bacterial and viral meningitis?

When is using a personal flotation device a good idea?

When should I avoid canned food?

Do I need to see a travel doc before going to a high-income nation such as Japan?

How do I prevent and treat injuries from coral and sea urchin spines?

We hope you enjoy this podcast! If so, please subscribe to our RSS feed and share with your friends! And, please send us your questions and travel health anecdotes: germandworm@gmail.com.

8: Pain in the Butt... Pain in the Head

Tue, 06 Aug 2024 09:15:00 -0700

Today, travel medicine specialists Drs. Paul Pottinger ("Germ") & Chris Sanford ("Worm") answer your travel health questions:

How do I prevent constipation when I travel?

What’s the best way to prevent altitude illness?

How do I prevent malaria in my child?

What are the best malaria medications for adults?

How do I avoid the ill effects of air pollution?

Is grapefruit seed extract helpful in preventing traveler’s diarrhea?

How do I prevent ear pain when I scuba?

We hope you enjoy this podcast! If so, please subscribe to our RSS feed and share with your friends! And, please send us your questions and travel health anecdotes: germandworm@gmail.com.

7: Cenotes, Ayahuasca, Botflies, & Beyond

Tue, 30 Jul 2024 02:00:00 -0700

Today, travel medicine specialists Drs. Paul Pottinger ("Germ") & Chris Sanford ("Worm") answer your travel health questions:

Do I need to be concerned about bats and/or bat guano when I go into a cave?

How should I treat sunburn?

What’s the deal with bot flies?

How do prevent jet lag?

Do I need to report my positive Covid-19 test to authorities?

Should I go on an Ayahuasca retreat?

Is it safe to swim in a cenote in Mexico?

We hope you enjoy this podcast! If so, please subscribe to our RSS feed and share with your friends! And, please send us your questions and travel health anecdotes: germandworm@gmail.com.

6: Medical Tourism, Prohibited Medications, & More

Tue, 23 Jul 2024 02:00:00 -0700

Today, travel medicine specialists Drs. Paul Pottinger ("Germ") & Chris Sanford ("Worm") answer your travel health questions:

Should I pack an antibiotic when I travel?

Is Dengue Fever a concern in Brazil?

Can I boost my immune system prior to travel?

Medical procedures abroad—any issues?

Are potholes in streets a sign that I’m not a tourist?

Do I need a letter from my doctor to travel with medications?

We hope you enjoy this podcast! If so, please subscribe to our RSS feed and share with your friends! And, please send us your questions and travel health anecdotes: germandworm@gmail.com.

5: How Many Shots Are Too Many?

Tue, 16 Jul 2024 02:00:00 -0700

Today, travel medicine specialists Drs. Paul Pottinger ("Germ") & Chris Sanford ("Worm") answer your travel health questions:

Do multiple immunizations overwhelm my immune system?

Road traffic injuries—do I need to be concerned?

What’s the deal with hot tubs and rashes?

Accepting or refusing food offered by locals—what to do?

Lyme disease: how to reduce risk?

How do I prevent and treat motion sickness?

Does health insurance cover vaccines?

We hope you enjoy this podcast! If so, please subscribe to our RSS feed and share with your friends! And, please send us your questions and travel health anecdotes: germandworm@gmail.com.

4: Japanese Encephalitis, Cold Prevention, Jet Lag

Tue, 09 Jul 2024 02:00:00 -0700

Today, travel medicine specialists Drs. Paul Pottinger ("Germ") & Chris Sanford ("Worm") answer your travel health questions:

How do I find a trusted pharmacy while abroad?

When is it safe to travel with a newborn?

Travel to India—is malaria and/or Japanese encephalitis a concern?

Should I travel with azithromycin (Z-pack)?

Is a drug for malaria needed if exposure is airport-only?

Tips for getting over jet lag?

When do you need to see a doctor for traveler’s diarrhea?

How do I find a good doctor while abroad?

Should I buy my malaria medication while overseas?

Over-the-counter medications to prevent head colds—do they work?

Does the Covid-19 vaccine mess with my DNA?

We hope you enjoy this podcast! If so, please subscribe to our RSS feed and share with your friends! And, please send us your questions and travel health anecdotes: germandworm@gmail.com.

3: Malaria, Machu Picchu, and More

Tue, 11 Jun 2024 08:00:00 -0700

Germ & Worm co-hosts, Drs. Paul Pottinger ("Germ") & Chris Sanford ("Worm"), answer your travel health questions:

What should I do if I get appendicitis while abroad?

Travel with teens—any tips?

Should I take acetazolamide (Diamox) when I climb Machu Picchu?

Malaria prevention regimens—which is best?

Do I need to take a drug to prevent malaria prophylaxis during a short-duration trip?

Do I need to deworm after travel?

How do I prevent respiratory illnesses during travel in China?

What vaccines do I need prior to traveling to Thailand?

I sprained my ankle sprain in Mexico—what to do?

We hope you enjoy this podcast! If so, please subscribe to our RSS feed and share with your friends! And, please send us your questions and travel health anecdotes: germandworm@gmail.com.

Our Disclaimer: The Germ and Worm Podcast is designed to inform, inspire, and entertain. However, this podcast does NOT establish a doctor-patient relationship, and it should NOT replace your conversation with a qualified healthcare professional. Please see one before your next adventure. The opinions in this podcast are Dr. Sanford’s & Dr. Pottinger’s alone and do not necessarily represent the opinions of the University of Washington or UW Medicine.

2: Dengue, Rabies, and Tetanus... Oh My!

Tue, 11 Jun 2024 07:30:00 -0700

Germ & Worm co-hosts, Drs. Paul Pottinger ("Germ") & Chris Sanford ("Worm") answer your travel health questions:

Is there a vaccine for dengue fever?

Does my health insurance cover me while I’m abroad?

What’s the best medication for malaria prophylaxis?

When is best to see a medical provider before a planned trip?

Do I need vaccination for rabies?

Is it safe to eat at roadside stands?

Do I need to be immunized for tetanus?

We hope you enjoy this podcast! If so, please subscribe to our RSS feed and share with your friends! And, please send us your questions and travel health anecdotes: germandworm@gmail.com.

Our Disclaimer: The Germ and Worm Podcast is designed to inform, inspire, and entertain. However, this podcast does NOT establish a doctor-patient relationship, and it should NOT replace your conversation with a qualified healthcare professional. Please see one before your next adventure. The opinions in this podcast are Dr. Sanford’s & Dr. Pottinger’s alone and do not necessarily represent the opinions of the University of Washington or UW Medicine.

1: Meet Germ & Worm!

Tue, 11 Jun 2024 07:00:00 -0700

Welcome to Germ & Worm! Today, you will meet your hosts, travel medicine specialists, Drs. Paul Pottinger ("Germ") & Chris Sanford ("Worm"), and get the answers to your travel health questions:

Is it safe to eat Kitfo (raw beef) in Ethiopia?

Does my diet make mosquitoes more or less attracted to me?

How do I ensure the water I drink is safe?

What should I pack in my travel medical kit?

Lakes and schistosomiasis—safe to swim or not?

When should I seek treatment for traveler’s diarrhea?

We hope you enjoy this podcast! If so, please subscribe to our RSS feed and share with your friends! And, please send us your questions and travel health anecdotes: germandworm@gmail.com.

Our Disclaimer: The Germ and Worm Podcast is designed to inform, inspire, and entertain. However, this podcast does NOT establish a doctor-patient relationship, and it should NOT replace your conversation with a qualified healthcare professional. Please see one before your next adventure. The opinions in this podcast are Dr. Sanford’s & Dr. Pottinger’s alone and do not necessarily represent the opinions of the University of Washington or UW Medicine.