2012 has started off with great enthusiasm and promise for an exciting year of rebound. As work takes you abroad for your company’s global initiatives, or you plan an exotic tropical vacation here are some quick tips from the World Health Organization on planning for a healthy trip.
1. Medical consultation before travel
Travelers intending to visit a destination in a developing country should consult a travel medicine clinic or medical practitioner before the journey. This consultation should take place at least 4–8 weeks before the journey and preferably earlier if long-term travel or overseas work is envisaged. Dental and gynecological check-ups are advisable before prolonged travel to developing countries or to remote areas. This is particularly important for people with chronic or recurrent dental or gynecological/obstetric diseases or problems.
2. Assessment of health risks associated with travel
Medical advisers base their recommendations, including those for vaccinations and other medication, on an assessment of risk for the individual traveler, which takes into account the likelihood of acquiring a disease and how serious this might be for the person concerned. Key elements of this risk assessment are the pre-travel health status of the traveler, destination(s), duration and purpose of travel, the mode of transport, standards of accommodation and food hygiene, and risk behavior while travelling.
3. Medical kit and toilet items
Sufficient medical supplies should be carried to meet foreseeable needs for the duration of the trip.
A medical kit should be carried for all destinations where there may be significant health risks, particularly those in developing countries and/or where the local availability of specific medications is uncertain. This kit will include basic medicines to treat common ailments, first-aid articles, and any other special medical items, such as syringes and needles (to minimize exposure to blood borne viruses), that may be needed and can in some cases be used by the individual traveler.
4. Insurance for travelers
Travelers are strongly advised to travel with comprehensive travel insurance as a matter of routine and to declare any underlying health conditions. Travelers should be aware that medical care abroad is often available only at private medical facilities and may be costly. In places where good-quality medical care is not readily available, travelers may need to be repatriated in case of accident or illness.
5. Medical examination after travel
Travelers are advised to have a medical examination on their return if they:
§ suffer from a chronic disease, such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes mellitus, or chronic respiratory disease or have been taking anticoagulants;
§ experience illness in the weeks following their return home, particularly if fever, persistent diarrhea, vomiting, jaundice, urinary disorders, skin disease or genital infection occurs;
§ they received treatment for malaria while travelling;
§ may have been exposed to a serious infectious disease while travelling;
§ have spent more than 3 months in a developing country.