Travel Medicine

Travel Medicine

Introduction to Travel Medicine

When it comes to traveling abroad it's not all about accommodations and flights but rather the medicine as well. Traveling safely is better than facing issues there. One would rather have a comfortable trip than to have to visit a hospital during their holidays. That’s why it is important to know about travel medications. Different countries come with different health risks, due to unfamiliar food, water, climate and potential exposure to certain diseases.

What is Travel Medicine

Travel medication aren’t the same for everyone. The mediations depend on places you are traveling, personal health issues and environmental risks. Travel medicine is a field that focuses on keeping travelers healthy. International travel and higher risk destinations are important factors to consider. One should get their health checked before traveling, take recommended vaccines, get advice on how to avoid illness and prepare for possible health issues during the travel. 

Why Travel Medicine is Important

Why is travel medicine important? Traveling without preparation can be risky. These can range from infectious risks like diseases from food, water or insects, environmental risks like climate and altitude, general risks like accidents and injuries. With the right preparation these risks can be prevented, especially with the help of travel clinics.  

Who Should Consider Travel Medicine

General Travelers

In the case of general travelers, they should visit a travel clinic to be safe.These include people traveling for holiday, work or visiting family. 

High-Risk Destinations

Areas that are known to be of high risk for disease, should require travel medication. Developing or remote regions are high risk destinations. 

People with Health Conditions

People with health conditions are in a high risk category when it comes to catching diseases, travel medicine can help prevent further complications. 

Vulnerable Groups

Why would children, elders and pregnant women specifically require travel medicine? Well, these groups of people are known as the vulnerable group due to them requiring special precautions. 

Long-Term Travelers

Are you planning to stay abroad for a long time? If this is the case, you are in higher exposure to risk so travel medicine is important. 

Common Travel Health Risks

Infectious Diseases

Infectious diseases can include diarrhea, hepatitis A or B, mosquito borne diseases and respiratory infections. They can contaminate individuals through food/water, insect bites and crowded environments. 

Environmental and Physical Risks

Are there environmental risks in travelling? Yes, these include heat exhaustion, heat stroke, altitude sickness, skin issues and injuries. These can often be underestimated but they are common.

How to Prepare Before Traveling

Health Check Before Travel

Health check ups before traveling are important because they prevent humans from getting certain diseases. Health checkups also help reduce the spread of diseases and protect humans in general. Some diseases can become very severe in certain countries, thus it is important to discuss destination risks. 

Vaccinations

Why would travelers specifically require vaccinations? Well, in their case some countries require fellow visitors to have themselves vaccinated towards certain diseases. This helps their country from being affected with certain diseases. 

Medications

Which medications to take when traveling? Bring general medication for things like fever, stomach issues, allergies and insect bites. Doctors at Vibhavadi Hospital can help guide you on the dosage of each medicine. 

Timing

Preparation should be done at least 4-6 weeks before the travel date. It takes vaccines time before they are effective. 

What Travel Medicine Services Include

Included in the service of travel medicine are the following: health screening, risk assessment based on destination, vaccine recommendation, medication planning and advice on staying safe during travel. 

It is also essential to drink safe or bottled water, avoid risky street food in certain areas, use insect repellent, protect against sun exposure and carry basic first aid. 

Travel Medicine Service at Vibhavadi Hospital

Vibhavadi Hospital houses a Travel Clinic within its facilities, and the aim of the clinic is to prepare travelers medically for their trip. What all is provided? Everything from health checkups to risk assessment and vaccinations are provided.