In all of the excitement leading up to an overseas holiday, it’s easy to forget to speak to your doctor. It’s also possible to underestimate how badly things can go wrong if you don’t take the necessary medical precautions before boarding that flight to your exotic destination.
While travel abroad has become increasingly common and accessible, it doesn’t mean there aren’t associated health risks. In fact, if you travel overseas you have up to a 50% chance of suffering a travel-related illness.
Why see your doctor?
Here’s why you should talk to your doctor before your trip.
You may not be aware of all the risks
Your doctor can provide expert, up-to-date advice about the health risks at your destination. They can give you personalised advice because they know your medical history.
You may need to be vaccinated
Depending on where you’re travelling to, you may need to be immunised or medicated to protect you from diseases like hepatitis, typhoid, yellow fever or malaria.
Ideally, you should see your doctor 6-8 weeks before you travel because you may need to have your vaccinations weeks before you leave.
You may not have easy access to medications at your destination
Ailments that we find relatively easy to manage at home, such as diarrhea or a respiratory infection, can be more difficult to treat overseas. If you’re in a remote place, or aren’t able to see English-speaking medical staff, things can get difficult.
Discuss this with your doctor, as well as any existing conditions, such as asthma, diabetes and food allergies, that you may need to manage while you’re away.
Family Doctors Plus travel services
At Family Doctors Plus we’ll provide:
- personalised travel advice based on your medical history, your age and your destinations
- travel vaccinations
- first aid packs containing antibiotics, anti-nausea medication, malaria prophylaxis medication and more
- a travel letter to present at customs and written instructions on when to use medications.
Book an appointment with us to discuss your upcoming travel requirements.
