Going on vacation? Even if you’re healthy, a pre-travel checkup may be just what the doctor ordered. "The reason to visit a physician before travel is not only to assure that you are physically ready for travel, but also to ensure that you have the proper amounts of regular medicines you may take, along with vaccines, and the knowledge to minimize any risks from travel," says Aileen M. Marty, MD, FACP, director of the Florida International University Travel Medicine Program and professor of infectious disease at FIU’s Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine in Miami, Florida.
Whether you’re headed across the state or to the other side of the world, people with specific medical conditions should definitely consider a pre-travel checkup. That’s because "The number one cause of serious problems while traveling is an underlying medical condition," says Jonathan Leizman, MD, staff physician at the Cleveland Clinic's International Travel Clinic. "You need to make sure your condition is under control before you leave for your trip."
At the checkup, ask your doctor for a prescription for all the medications you take, and get a more-than-adequate supply. "If you are going away for two weeks, get enough medication for a month," Leizman says. And don't start on any new medications immediately prior to traveling unless they’re necessary for your trip, he adds.
Vaccination Guidelines
If you're traveling within the US or visiting Western Europe, Japan, Australia, or New Zealand, you probably won't need special vaccines, says Charles Ericsson, MD, an infectious disease and travel medicine specialist at the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UT Health) Medical School. But if you’re headed to a developing nation, you’ll most likely be advised to take malaria pills, since this mosquito-borne illness poses a significant health risk in these areas; there are nearly 200 million cases of malaria each year, Leizman points out. "Unfortunately, malaria is an illness that causes significant health problems. Fortunately, there are various medications you can take to prevent you from getting it."
If you’re visiting Africa or South America, you may also need to get vaccinated against yellow fever, which is not as common as malaria but still poses significant health threat. Dengue fever is another disorder that threatens travelers to these regions, although there is no vaccine available in the US. "The best preventive measure against dengue fever is to avoid contact with mosquitoes by using an insect repellent with DEET in it, and by staying away from stagnant water (such as drainage ditches), which attracts them," Leizman says.
You may also be told to get hepatitis A and B vaccines. For a list of global travel clinics, visit the International Society of Travel Medicine (istm.org).
Stay Healthy During Your Trip
Some of the most common health problems travelers face include:
- Diarrhea: It's estimated that nearly half of travelers to developing nations will get diarrhea, Ericsson says, so be sure to ask your doctor the best way to prevent it. You may be given a prescription for an antibiotic that you should fill and take with you, since it can lower the duration and intensity of the diarrhea, Ericsson says.
- Altitude Sickness: If you’ll be travelling to a high-altitude locale (anything over 8,000 feet above sea level), you may want to take medication to prevent altitude sickness.
- Mosquito-Borne Diseases: Those traveling to areas of the world where mosquitoes are a problem will be told to bring an insect repellent that contains DEET. Your doctor may also counsel you to wear long-sleeved shirts and pants, and to avoid being outside in mosquito-infested areas at dawn and after dusk, since these are the most common biting times. Mosquito netting in the area where you sleep may also be recommended.
- Accidents and Injury: The second most common cause of significant health problems during international travel is accidents and injury, Leizman says. "Sometimes inhibitions are reduced during travel, and alcohol can play a role, so it's important to be aware of these risks," he explains. And, he adds, reduce your chances of a motor vehicle accident by avoiding driving or traveling as a passenger in a developing country after dark. Hire a reputable driving service to transport you, and take along a car seat for your child.
A Q&A With Your MD
Be sure to discuss any health concerns with your doctor at your checkup. Here are a few questions to consider:
- What is the actual risk of infection in the location you’re traveling to?
- Are the health threats in the cities different from those in rural areas? Risks may vary within a country, Marty says.
- Are there any risks associated with the recommended vaccinations or preventive measures?
- Should you bring any over-the-counter medications and health products with you on your trip? You may have trouble finding supplies at your destination.
Get Ready for a Memorable Experience!
Once you’re prepared, get ready for a great time. "Travel is one of the most rewarding experiences a person can have in terms of education and personal fulfillment," Leizman says. "We want people to live life to the fullest, and we feel that our role is to help facilitate the process of having a fulfilling trip."
Jonathan Leizman, MD, staff physician at the Cleveland Clinic's International Travel Clinic, reviewed this article.
Sources
Charles Ericsson, MD, an infectious disease and travel medicine specialist at the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UT Health) Medical School.
Jonathan Leizman, MD, staff physician at the Cleveland Clinic's International Travel Clinic.
Aileen M. Marty, MD, FACP, director of the Florida International University Travel Medicine Program and professor of infectious disease at FIU’s Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine in Miami, Florida.
"Altitude Sickness." Cleveland Clinic. Page accessed July 17, 2014.
"Malaria: Frequently Asked Questions." Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Page last reviewed December 12, 2012.
