Before Your Trip

Want to make sure you stay healthy while you travel? Here are some ways to think ahead and take health precautions so you're ready for anything.

Immunizations
Health-Minded Packing
Travel Medical Kit
Chronic Medical Conditions
SCUBA Divers

Immunizations

Immunizations are one of the most effective ways to prevent diseases among travelers. Unfortunately, a number of infections like diphtheria and measles occur in other countries due to their lack of vaccines.

While most of us received a full panel of vaccinations as children, adults should confirm that boosters or new immunizations are not needed. Check on the vaccinations you might need by consulting your physician or the Centers for Disease Control and get vaccinated prior to your travel. Keep a copy of your vaccination records and bring it along on your trip.

Before international trips, allow 4-6 weeks to meet with your doctor for advice about medications and immunizations. This is especially important if you'll be staying for more than a few weeks, or will be in remote areas where public facilities are substandard.

Make sure you have appropriate medical insurance coverage for international travel, and don't forget to bring along the phone numbers for the insurance company's help desk.

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Health-Minded Packing

When you're packing, here are some items you may want to include:

• Copies of important medical records (for more about this, see Pocket Medical Minder)
• Medications—in their original pharmacy—labeled bottles to avoid problems with Customs
• An extra pair of glasses or contacts along with enough cleaning supplies for the entire trip
• At least a week's supply of your medications-always in your carry-on luggage, rather than checked baggage

If you need to use an approved Portable Oxygen Concentrator to travel, see Medical Oxygen Service in Special Concerns.

Medical escort services are available through Medical Escorts International (610)-791-3111 and Traveling Nurses' Network (360)-694-2462.

Consult your physician on any changes in timing of your medication—especially insulin—when you cross multiple time zones.

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Travel Medical Kit

Take a tip from frequent travelers and be prepared by packing a travel medical kit with the following items:

• Painkillers (acetaminophen, aspirin, ibuprofen)
• Antacids
• A topical disinfectant/antibiotic
• Antihistamines
• A well sealed bottle of rubbing alcohol (3oz or less)
• A thermometer
• Adhesive bandages

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Chronic Medical Conditions

If you suffer from chronic medical conditions, here are some specific steps you can take to ensure your travel goes smoothly:

• Meet with your treating physician at least 4-6 weeks prior to travel.
  Your physician should make sure your condition is under control. This may mean that you'll need to have a physical exam and some up-to-date lab tests.
• Confirm your immunization status.
  You may need boosters of some of your old vaccines. Contact the Centers for Disease Control to find out about current conditions at your destination.
• Pack enough of your medications.
  Make sure you pack enough medications to cover you for the entire trip, plus one extra week for any unforeseen delays. Your doctor may wish to write out prescriptions for you using generic names, as brand/trade names vary between countries.
• Carry a Pocket Medical Minder. It should include:
• A brief Medical History with specific diagnosis
• A list of all current medications, using generic names, and their dosing schedule
• Any allergies you have to drugs and foods
• If you're a heart patient, a copy of your most recent electrocardiogram (EKG)
• Your physician's full name, address, and telephone number
• A note from your physician giving clearance to travel by all modes of transportation
• Your medical insurance policy number and the phone number of your insurance company
• Prepare for emergencies.
  Plan ahead. Discuss with your doctor how to handle emergencies and contact him or her while you're traveling.
• Check your health insurance coverage.
  Contact your health insurance carrier to make sure you are covered domestically and overseas. If not, they can provide short-term coverage or refer you to firms that can.

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SCUBA Divers

It's strongly recommended that you wait at least 24 hours after your last dive before taking to the skies. This will minimize the risk of developing decompression illnesses such as the bends.

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