Why Do I Need a Travel Consultation?

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Posted: Oct 17th, 2022 at 06:47PM - by Ashlee Arnold

Traveling to other countries opens you up to a world of unique and fresh experiences. You get to meet new people, learn different cultures and languages, eat interesting food, and live through things you never imagined.

While vacationing in a different country can be thrilling, you can also encounter novel health risks. You might contract a disease after visiting an area with bugs you're not used to or getting scratched by a wild animal who might have rabies when hiking.

Visiting a doctor for a pretravel consultation is essential to ensure a smooth travel experience. During the pretravel counseling, you work with a specialist who knows the type of vaccines and prescriptions necessary for your trip, the risks associated with traveling to particular locations, the types of food you should avoid, and the effects of traveling with underlying medical conditions.

The healthcare provider will also look at your immunization record and medical history, your travel itinerary, the travel duration, and the activities you expect to take part in during the trip. If you have any issues, the doctor will advise you on the best way forward.

Why You Need a Travel Consultation Before an International Trip

The following are some reasons you should visit a travel medicine expert before your trip.

1. Get Up to Date with Vaccination Requirements

When traveling to foreign destinations, you'll likely encounter diseases that are preventable and even rare in the United States. These diseases can, under some circumstances, be fatal. You can also contract the flu or other airborne diseases in crowded spaces, such as airport lounges and cruise ships.

Being vaccinated against certain illnesses is essential before embarking on a foreign trip. Before traveling, your healthcare provider will look at a couple of kinds of vaccines. The first one is routine vaccinations. These vaccines were administered in your early childhood years. If your immunity has waned over time, you might need a booster. (If you're not sure which vaccines you've already received, getting a blood titer test will tell you.)

Another type of vaccine is recommended vaccines, which are usually for intermediate and high-risk areas. The healthcare provider will check what the required vaccines are, which means you need them in order to enter your destination country.

It's crucial to take into account the vaccination window before your trip. Plan to visit a healthcare consultant four to six weeks before traveling. Some vaccines are given as a series; it may also take time for your immune system to build the required defenses.

2. You Will Receive Any Necessary Prescriptions

Motion sickness. Malaria. Traveler's diarrhea. Altitude sickness. Avoiding these nuisances isn't a matter of vaccination but rather prescription medication. Before your trip, your travel health specialist will get you the necessary prescriptions that might benefit you along the way.

They'll also know which prescriptions are not allowed in your destination country. This is because they're familiar with the rules and regulations that might land you in trouble if you break them. For instance, some over-the-counter drugs are heavily regulated in certain countries. In Japan, you may want to reconsider packing Sudafed™ or traveling to Indonesia with medicine for conditions like ADHD. A travel consultant will help you make the necessary preparations and precautions so that you won't be caught off-guard.

3. Get Educated on Food and Water Safety

Your travel consultation doesn't only entail vaccinations and prescription medicine. It also involves discussing essential precautions, such as what to eat and drink. Vacations involve exposure to unfamiliar foods and drinks. Therefore, knowing about the quality of food and beverages you consume is important for your health.

It's always exciting to try new kinds of foods when you travel. However, it may come with its challenges. Eating contaminated foods may expose you to health complications like traveler's diarrhea, hepatitis A, and typhoid fever. Street food is another concern. If it's not properly prepared and maintained, it could make you ill.

Your healthcare provider will offer information on local safe drinking and eating guidelines. In addition, you'll get information on areas with food- and water-borne illnesses.

On a related note, it's always important to wash your hands with warm water and soap for at least 20 seconds before and after you eat. When that's not available, use hand sanitizer to lower the risk of contaminating whatever you're consuming.

4. Travel Medicine Specialists Guide You in Travel Safety

Not all people travel under the same conditions. Some travelers might be pregnant, elderly, have chronic and underlying illnesses, or have weak immune systems. Travelers with underlying health conditions may require special health attention since their health issues might relate to the travel destination.

For instance, a person with asthma may have an attack when visiting polluted towns. Discussing this with a travel medicine specialist in advance will help the asthma patient to plan smarter and better avoid any issues in the future.

A travel healthcare provider may also recommend delaying your travel if you were recently hospitalized to reduce travel risks. Seeing a specialist will ensure your health background and destination-specific risks are assessed, which helps improve your safety during travels.

Where Can I Go for a Consultation?

While you may have everything set for your trip in terms of accommodations and transportation, it's essential to plan for your health too. That's where e7 Health comes in. e7 Health travel clinicians will advise you on what travel vaccines and prescriptions are recommended for your trip; go over food, water, and safety precautions; and review your travel itinerary. Our travel specialists offer personalized services and guidelines based on your needs. Be sure to book an appointment four to six weeks before you embark on your trip.

Nothing is devastating quite like getting sick during your trip. Whether it's your first or 10th trip, you can always benefit from visiting a travel medicine expert. Their scope of knowledge and guidance will help you enjoy your vacation.

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