Germ & Worm

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?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.

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?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.

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?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.

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?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.

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?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.

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?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.

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.

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. 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.

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. 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.

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. 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.

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. 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.

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. 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.

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. 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.

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.

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.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.

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.comHere are links to some of the products Kyle mentioned in our conversation:Salty Britches Anti-Chafing ointment Injinji Running SocksHexagelsLeukotapeHypafix tapeSkin Tac Adhesive WipesWe 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.

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.comWe 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.

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.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.

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.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.

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.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.