Travel health encompasses the practices and precautions taken to ensure physical and mental well-being during trips. It involves understanding potential health risks associated with travel destinations, preparing adequately, and taking measures to prevent illness and injury.
Effective travel health begins with thorough pre-trip planning. Consulting a healthcare provider is essential, especially when travelling to areas with prevalent diseases like malaria or yellow fever. Vaccinations may be required or recommended based on the destination. Common travel vaccines include those for hepatitis A and B, typhoid, cholera, and Japanese encephalitis. Additionally, carrying a basic medical kit equipped with bandages, antiseptics, pain relievers, and any personal medications is advisable.
During travel, maintaining good hygiene and hydration is crucial. Airplane cabins often have low humidity levels, which can lead to dehydration. Drinking plenty of water, avoiding excessive alcohol and caffeine, and using skin moisturizers can help. For long flights, travellers should be aware of the risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT); exercises like stretching and walking periodically can mitigate this risk.
Once at the destination, being mindful of local health issues is key. Food and water safety are paramount in regions where sanitation standards are lower. Consuming bottled water, avoiding raw foods, and practising good hand hygiene can prevent gastrointestinal illnesses. Additionally, understanding the local climate and environment is essential; for example, in tropical regions, insect repellent and appropriate clothing can help prevent vector-borne diseases like dengue fever and Zika virus.
Upon returning home, monitoring health for any symptoms of illness that may have been contracted during the trip is vital. Some travel-related diseases have incubation periods, and symptoms may not appear immediately. Seeking medical advice if feeling unwell and informing the healthcare provider about recent travel can facilitate timely diagnosis and treatment.
Overall, at AFMDP we make sure you have been informed and prepared for potential health risks, take necessary precautions, and seek medical attention when necessary. By taking these measures, travellers can help protect their health and enjoy their trip safely.
Call our reception: (07) 3263 9951 to book or to ask any further questions. Our current patients will also receive an invitation to attend our clinics in the mail, so keep an eye out!