Ahh.. the lazy days of summer. Summer usually is the vacation, travel time for many. Here are some travel medicine tips before you hop on that plane.
If you are going to stay local for your vacation, you don’t have much to worry about except making sure to bring all your prescription medications, making sure you have enough, etc.
If you are planning to go abroad and/or for an extended period of time, make sure to plan well in advance. It is advised that you see your doctor at least 4-6 weeks prior to your travel date. This is to ensure that there is enough time for any shots that need to be administered.
- Before your appointment, go visit www.cdc.gov and click on the travel destination link. Check the current travel advisories on your vacation destination. Print it out or make a list of the vaccinations you might need and take it to your appointment.
- Keep in mind that there are some vaccinations that you won’t always be able to get at your doctor’s office, i.e. yellow fever vaccine. Also, some health plans do not cover travel shots or medications. The cash price can be in the hundreds of dollars so make some calls and shop around for the best price. Talk to your doctor about what shots are absolutely necessary and if he can give discounts.
- If you are up to date with your routine vaccinations, you may not need very many shots. But don’t forget malaria prevention pills if you are traveling to an area that requires it. Different regions may require different drugs because of resistance. Again, these can be expensive depending on whether you get a generic or branded drug. Some are taken daily, others are taken weekly. You’ll have to start a few days before the trip and continue taking them 4 weeks after your return. A pain, I know, but that’s how it works. Your doctor will give you more detailed instructions.
- Ask your doctor if he can prescribe some medications for you in case of traveler’s diarrhea or if you are prone to respiratory infections. Get some recommendations on over the counter medications that you should take with you. The CDC website also has some great advice on what to pack.
- Make sure you have enough of your routine medications to last you the entire trip. Take the medications in their bottles with the instruction label. Make a printed list of all your medications, doses, how you take them, a list of your medical conditions, and your physician contact information. This will be handy should you become ill during your travel.
- Don’t forget to pack a small emergency kit with you. You can buy these prepackaged, if you desire.
- Consider purchasing traveler’s health insurance, especially if you are older or have other serious or chronic medical conditions. This is a great way to protect yourself in case of major catastrophe or illness during your travel.
Have a great trip!