Pre-Travel Consultation
Many people take advantage of the opportunity Spring Break offers to travel internationally. Amidst the excitement of planning and packing, a visit to your primary care is often overlooked. For those traveling abroad, and especially off the beaten path, it’s a good idea to sit down with your doctor before taking off and discuss a few relevant topics:
Immunizations - some countries or specific areas of countries will have immunization requirements or recommendations. Not all primary care offices will carry the needed vaccines, but your PCP can review with you what vaccines are recommended, what the risks/benefits are, and where you can go to get them. It’s also a good idea to make sure you are up to date with all age appropriate (Shingles, Pneumococcal etc) and season appropriate (Influenza, COVID etc) vaccines.
Malaria Prophylaxis - travel to certain parts of the world may expose you to more than just itching and discomfort from mosquito bites! Your PCP can review ways to prevent mosquito bites (clothing, DEET, bed nets) and also prescribe you medication to prevent malaria, if that’s a risk in the area you are traveling. Depending on the type of prophylactic treatment advised, you might need to start a few days to a week before you leave, so don’t put off your PCP appointment to the last day!
Antibiotic Prophylaxis - sometimes, again depending on where you are traveling and your personal history, your PCP might want to give you a prescription for travel antibiotics. This way you can be counseled on how to self treat illnesses like traveler’s diarrhea, urinary tract infections, and/or sinus infections.
Medication Review - A thorough review of your current chronic medications is wise before leaving for a trip. Your PCP can also print you a copy of your active medications and a summary of your health conditions, so you can pack these in your bag along with your pill bottles.
Special Considerations - Some trips may require additional discussion, such as treatment and management of altitude sickness or sea sickness, sun protection and management of sun burns, water and car safety, DVT prevention etc.
Safe travels to all!
