While the lower likelihood for older travelers
to present with cutaneous larva migrans and
schistosomiasis may not correlate with lower absolute
risks of these infections, it is nevertheless possible that
this finding results from a stronger adherence by older
individuals to avoiding contact with wet soil and fresh
water, thus less frequently engaging in at-risk activities.
Finally, the higher likelihood of travel-associated
UTI, gastritis, peptic ulcer, and GERD suggests that
these diseases should also be considered in older
travelers receiving pre-travel advice. Antibiotics for
the presumptive treatment of respiratory and UTIs
may be considered, as well as antacid medications
although the latter may possibly increase the risk of
traveler’s diarrhea