During a travel medical assessment, your doctor may ask questions about exactly where you will be travelling, how long you will be there and any activities you are planning on doing. These questions might seem like polite conversation, but actually they are all very important. Depending on how you answer these questions, your doctor may give the following travel-related medical recommendations.
Depending on where you are travelling, a range of travel vaccines are available, including:
A range of different infections can be caught by consuming contaminated food and drink, including typhoid fever, hepatitis A and cholera. In places where sanitation is poor, it helps to take some precautions with food, including:
For more information see 'Food safety while travelling'.
In some areas, insects such as mosquitoes, flies, fleas and lice, or arthropods such as ticks and mites, can transmit potentially dangerous infections such as malaria. It is best to pack insect repellents while travelling, ensuring they do not break safety regulations (such as is the case for aerosol cans in airplanes). You can lower your risk by taking precautions, including:
Some people are more sexually active during their travels. It is important to remember some sexually-transmitted infections (STIs) are more common in certain places. For example, the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is more common in sub-Saharan Africa. If you are sexually active during your travels, remember that barrier methods of contraception, such as condoms, can help reduce your risk of acquiring STIs.
A virus transmitted mainly by sexual or blood-to-blood contact, that infects cells of the immune system. It is the causative agent of acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS).
A tiny biting blood-sucking parasite belonging to the arachnid family.
A preparation containing a microorganism (that causes a specific disease) in a dead or weakened state, or parts of it, for the purpose of inducing immunity in a person to that microorganism.
A vaccine that protects against Japanese encephalitis. This is a serious brain infection caused by a virus that is spread by some mosquitoes, particularly in many parts of South-East Asia, China, the Torres Strait and Papua New Guinea.
No matter what your condition, while travelling, remember to keep taking your prescription medication as directed by your doctor. It is also important to consider travel health insurance.
Some countries will not allow people with HIV to enter them, so be sure to check with travel authorities when you are planning your travel. It is important to also make sure there are adequate medical facilities at your destination, should you need any care. You may not be able to receive certain travel vaccines. It is very important to take all your medications as prescribed by your doctor.
If you take insulin for your diabetes, it is important to speak to your doctor before you travel about the timing of your doses when travelling over time zones. Remember to pack your insulin, glucagon or oral medications, as well as any snacks in your carry-on luggage so it is always accessible. If you carry syringes, you will need a note from your doctor outlining why you need them. It is also a good idea to wear a necklace or bracelet with your medical details and emergency contact listed.
Most women are able to travel safely while pregnant, although airlines may restrict travel later in pregnancy. Depending on the type of travel and the associated risks, the decision to travel should be made on a case-by-case basis. For example, women who have previously experienced complications during pregnancy are generally advised not to do any extensive travel during future pregnancies.
Travel to certain regions, such as where malaria is prevalent, is generally not advisable, because contracting these illnesses may pose threats to you and your baby. The safety of medications that help prevent and treat malaria has not been tested in pregnancy. There are certain travel vaccines and antibiotics that pregnant women cannot be given.
A metabolic disorder that is caused by problems with insulin secretion and regulation and which is characterized by high blood sugar levels. Also known as diabetes mellitus.
A virus transmitted mainly by sexual or blood-to-blood contact, that infects cells of the immune system. It is the causative agent of acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS).
A hormone secreted by the pancreas in order to regulate glucose levels in the body's cells, which is used for energy.
A preparation containing a microorganism (that causes a specific disease) in a dead or weakened state, or parts of it, for the purpose of inducing immunity in a person to that microorganism.
Some of the following tips may help you in your travels:
A temporary condition resulting in fatigue, sleep disturbances and irritability, caused by changes to a person’s body clock due to long-distance travel.