WELL BEING
Have a safe journey
DR.V. RAMASUBRAMANIAN
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Chickenpox during a tour of Europe or jaundice while sampling South East Asian cuisines are nightmares. Here’s how to avoid the dangers of those overseas trips.
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International travel is increasing daily, whether for professional, social, recreational or humanitarian reasons. Looking at the speed at which it is increasing this trend looks set to continue. Not many people realise that travel for the unprepared can be a risky proposition.
International travel can pose various risks to health depending on the characteristics of both the traveller and the travel. Changing environment, poor hygiene and sanitation, unexpected bugs and viruses can make travel a risky proposition. Health Insurance alone is not adequate to equip a person.
Need to plan
Planning, appropriate preventive measures and careful precautions can reduce the risks of adverse health consequences. Travellers should take the responsibility of getting the information about the risks involved and the necessary precautions needed.
What you need to do
Travellers should ideally seek a consultation from a travel medicine specialist at least 4-8 weeks before the journey. This will determine the need for any vaccination and/or medication that a traveller may require. A basic medical kit should be prescribed, provided, supplemented as appropriate to meet individual needs.
Infants, pregnant women, elderly and those with health problems like diabetes, heart disease, chronic lung conditions and kidney problems come under the category of greater health risks. Information about available medical services at the travel destination must be provided apart from medical advice and special precautions. The traveller should carry the contact details of their physician along with their past medical records. A physician’s letter certifying drugs or other medical items should be carried in case queries are raised by the Customs. International travellers should be aware that medical care abroad is often available only at private facilities and may be costly. A comprehensive traveller’s health insurance covering changes in itinerary, emergency repatriation, hospitalisation and medical care should be taken. Travel should be an enjoyable experience. It is the traveller’s responsibility to ensure that he/she is well prepared to face the hidden and often overlooked and underestimated risks at their destination.
The author is a consultant in Infectious Disease and Travel Health. E-mail: immuneboosters@yahoo.com For more information look up www.boostersindia.com
Basic medical kit
Adhesive tape/sterile dressing/bandages/scissors/safety pins.
Antiseptic wound cleaner
Emollient eye drops
Insect repellent
Oral re-hydration salt
Analgesic/Painkiller
Anti-diarrhoeal medication
Mild sedative
Antihistamine
Indigestion medication
Travel sickness or jetlag medication
Antibiotics
Traveller’s checklist
Obtain information on local conditions
Preventive health check-up
Medical, dental records
Vaccinations preferably 4-8 weeks before departure
Prophylactic medication
Food hygiene: Cook it; Boil it; Peel it; or Forget it
Sun protection like sunscreen and sunglasses
Card showing allergies/blood group
Subscribe to medical insurance
Health guidance
Tour operators and travel agents should provide the following health- related guidance to travellers:
Encourage pre-travel medical consultation
Inform travellers of particular health hazards at destination
Encourage travellers to take health insurance
Provide information on mandatory vaccination such as yellow fever and availability of medical facilities
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