Overseas travel is exciting, but ensuring a smooth trip requires preparation. In addition to your flight arrangements, hotel reservations, and your passport, you also need to make sure you’re doing all you can to protect your health while abroad. The best way to do this is by seeing a medical provider who specializes in travel medicine.

What Are the Benefits of Seeing a Travel Medicine Specialist?

Vaccinations

All travelers, no matter their current state of health, should be fully up to date on standard vaccinations, including measles-mumps-rubella, chickenpox, diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis, and polio. You should also get your annual flu shot if you haven’t already done so. Depending on your travel destination, additional immunizations might be necessary. A travel medicine specialist will know which vaccines are required for each country and will administer them using the proper dosing schedule. Keep in mind that certain vaccines — such as the yellow fever vaccine — may be given only by a registered provider, typically a travel medicine specialist, so it’s important to find out which medical practice in your area has this authorization.

Health & Safety Advice 

If you have an existing medical condition or have recently been sick, it’s important to get checked by your medical provider to ensure you’re well enough to travel abroad. You don’t want to risk worsening your condition while in a foreign country, especially if the area you’ll be visiting doesn’t have easily accessible health care. Your medical provider can advise which medications and health records you need to take with you as well as how to protect your health while you’re away.

When Should I Schedule My Travel Consult?

You should make your travel consult appointment at least four to six weeks before your departure date. This will allow enough time to receive all vaccinations, including those that require a series of shots, and to ensure you don’t have any reactions to the vaccines. If you need an extra supply of medication for an especially long trip, your medical provider can arrange for a larger prescription. Most importantly, have all of your questions and concerns addressed before you leave so that you can relax and enjoy the wonderful experience of travel.
 

Travel season is approaching, so don’t delay in getting your health in check before embarking on a trip abroad. Schedule an appointment to see a travel medicine provider at Hillside Family Medicine LLC & Occupational Medicine in Anchorage, AK, today. This comprehensive family medicine practice offers travel counseling and immunizations, and they’re currently the only clinic in Alaska authorized to provide the yellow fever vaccine. To find out more, call (907) 344-0200 to speak with their friendly front office staff, or visit their website.