Sightseeing, meeting new people and trying new foods make for a successful and exciting trip abroad. While being mindful about preventing travel-related infectious diseases isn’t usually on the itinerary, there are some preparatory steps to consider before you go. Nothing spoils the fun of traveling like getting sick. Fortunately, you can take precautions to protect yourself from travel-related infection and ensure an enjoyable experience.
Before Travel
The first step in ensuring safe travel prior to departure is taking into account factors like local climate, sanitation, insects and parasites. Vaccines are one of the most effective ways to prevent travel-related infectious diseases from these sources. It’s recommended to get vaccinated between four and six weeks before leaving for your trip. This gives the vaccine time to take effect and for your body to develop immunity, ensuring you’re protected when exposed to potential diseases during travel.
Packing essential travel medications, as recommended by a doctor, is also an important step to take before traveling. Prepare a well-stocked medical kit with all your required prescriptions, travel medications and other over-the-counter medications you may need on your trip. Make sure to pack more than you need in case you run into travel delays. Check the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for more tips on travel medications and vaccines.
Preparing for Travel Health Emergencies
Even with careful preparation, health emergencies can happen while traveling. It’s important to be prepared for the unexpected. Do some research to locate the nearest medical facilities at your destination and how to access them. If you have any pre-existing medical conditions, carry a doctor’s note and ensure you have an adequate supply of necessary medications. Keep emergency contacts handy, and ensure a loved one back home knows your travel plans. You may want to consider purchasing travel insurance that includes medical coverage. If you fall ill while abroad, local medical professionals may be able to provide a diagnosis and treatment.
During Travel
Taking precautions during travel is as important as before travel preparation. During your trip, make sure you’re eating and drinking from sanitary sources to prevent food-related illnesses. Practice good personal hygiene, making sure to wash your hands frequently and use hand sanitizer when a handwashing sink is unavailable. Stay hydrated and well-rested to boost your body’s immune system, and consider taking prebiotics, probiotics, antihistamines or other over-the-counter medications to keep your body healthy while you’re away.
After Travel
Despite your best efforts and the proactive steps you take, it’s still possible to contract a travel-related infectious disease. If you feel unwell after travel, seek medical attention. Depending on the illness, symptoms may appear shortly after your return or months later. If you experience any of these symptoms upon returning home, contact a healthcare provider for treatment:
- Tired or fatigued
- Fever or rash
- Persistent Diarrhea
- Respiratory issues or coughing
- Symptoms worsen or last more than a couple of days
Traveling can be one of the most enriching experiences, but staying healthy abroad requires careful planning. Vaccines, medications and proper hygiene are key to preventing travel-related infectious diseases. To ensure you’re fully prepared, schedule an appointment at Infections Managed to get your travel vaccinations 4-6 weeks before your trip. Call us at (954) 776-9992 or book an appointment online.