Essential Health Tips and Medical Guidelines for Safe Travel

Tips and medical guidelines to protect your health while traveling

To maintain your health while traveling, follow the guideline below:

• It is important to get the medical consultation before traveling to identify the appropriate vaccines and preventive medications according to travel destination and intended activity and the health condition of the traveler.

Key health risks associated with travel include:

• Communicable diseases and general health risks:
  Traveling to certain countries may require specific vaccinations and preventive medications, such as antimalarial drugs. Travelers may also be exposed to health issues like traveler's diarrhea, motion sickness, and altitude sickness.
• Chronic medical conditions:
  Individuals with chronic illnesses—such as diabetes, heart disease, or kidney disease and those taking immunosuppressive medications should seek medical advice before traveling, especially if visiting areas known for widespread communicable diseases. It is recommended to consult a travel medicine specialist 4 to 6 weeks prior to departure.
• High-risk activities:
  If the traveler plans to participate in high-risk activities or visit destinations with limited healthcare services, obtaining a medical consultation well in advance can help ensure better preparation for the trip.

How to Avoid Illness While Traveling

• Avoid traveling to high-risk health areas or regions with outbreaks of infectious diseases. Make sure you have health insurance that covers emergencies.
• Use medically approved insect repellents and wear long-sleeved clothing, especially during outdoor nighttime activities, to protect against mosquito-borne diseases such as malaria.
• Avoid swimming or engaging in activities in untreated freshwater in areas where diseases like schistosomiasis are common.
• Drink only bottled, boiled, or properly disinfected water. Alternatively, use special filters designed to remove germs and microbes from drinking water.
• Eat well-cooked food and avoid raw seafood, street food, and cold salads, especially in countries where food and waterborne illnesses are common. You can eat fresh fruits and vegetables, provided they are washed with safe drinking water or peeled.
• If you have a chronic medical condition, ensure you pack enough of your prescribed medications to last beyond your trip. Also, bring essential medications such as antihistamines for allergies and treatments for gastrointestinal illnesses.
• Make sure you are up to date on routine vaccinations recommended for your travel destination, such as hepatitis, tetanus, and polio. Additionally, get travel specific vaccines like cholera, yellow fever, and typhoid at least two weeks before departure.
• Pregnant Women: Travel is generally permitted if the pregnancy is stable, but only after consulting your doctor and obtaining a medical certificate for fitness to travel. Avoid carrying heavy luggage, wear loose and comfortable clothing, and stay well hydrated.
  Pregnant women are advised not to travel to countries with widespread malaria, yellow fever, or Zika virus.
• On long flights, it is recommended to walk through the aisle every 30 minutes to stimulate circulation and prevent blood clots. Light exercises can also be performed while seated.
• Ensure you get enough sleep and rest during your trip.
• After returning from travel, monitor your health and seek medical advice promptly if you experience any unusual physical or psychological symptoms such as fever, rash, or diarrhea. Be sure to inform your doctor about the details of your recent trip.

(HMC)