The millions of Americans who will travel abroad this summer should plan a trip to the doctor as soon as possible, says H. Thomas Johnson, MD, a Saint Louis University family physician, and expert in travel medicine.
Ideally, Johnson says, travelers should make an appointment six months before traveling to exotic locations, because some vaccines, such as hepatitis A and B, require six months between the first dose and the booster.
If a traveler does not have six months, Johnson still recommends getting the first vaccine, because it will provide some protection. Even travelers going to mainstream destinations, such as touristy parts of Mexico, should check with their doctor beforehand so they can learn about precautions and vaccines, he says. The doctors can also prescribe patches for sea sickness, or medications that relieve traveler’s diarrhea, for example.
He recommends the following tips for a safe vacation:
-Pack smart: Bring your medications in your carry-on luggage. Controlled substances must be in their original pharmacy container and over-the-counter liquid medications must meet flight guidelines. It’s also a good idea to bring bandages, pain relievers, medicine for nausea and heart burn, antibacterial ointment and antibacterial hand wipes.
-Enjoy the sun, safely: Bring sunscreen with a minimum of a 30 SPF, especially in tropical destinations.
-Keep the bugs away: Bug spray with 30 to 50 percent DEET is especially important if you are traveling to places where malaria is present. If you will be sleeping outdoors or in huts, bring a mosquito net.
-Be cautious about what you eat and drink: Avoiding drinking water and ice cubes is not enough. If food is not pealed, boiled or cooked, avoid it. This includes fresh vegetables and fruits, as well as undercooked meats and raw fish. Be particularly careful with food and drink from street vendors.
-Records: Bring your personal health information, such as a list of any conditions you might have, or medications you are taking. Tell your companions beforehand where the information is stored in case you become unconscious.
Source: Saint Louis University
