3 Helpful Health Tips for Last-Minute Travellers

When planning a trip, do you think about getting any vaccines? It’s highly advisable to check if any are recommended or required, especially if you’re going to areas that have existing disease issues. You may need more than one vaccine, depending on the country or place you’re visiting. Normally, people should visit their doctor at least four to six weeks before travelling, but while this timeframe is ideal, if you are leaving on a last-minute trip it’s still a good idea to visit a travel medicine doctor before you depart. Vaccines and pre-travel health advice help provide protection against the risk of illness or injury. In this article, we’ll give you three important health tips for last-minute travellers. Hydrate, Protect, FortifyTravel health experts recommend an adequate intake of fluids before and during travel. Eating nutritious food is also highly advised. In certain cases, such as with high altitude travel, hydration is really important, so do yourself a favour and keep your body hydrated. Your travel medicine clinic can show you the best methods of purifying water that may not be suitable for drinking, or advise you on the most suitable beverages to consume. Be mindful of your skin as well and don’t skip sunscreen and moisturisers. Your future self will thank you! Go to a Health Counsellor The travel doctor and health counsellor are your best health partners when travelling. They can give you sound advice and highlight the proper precautions you should take for your trip. They are well aware that not all diseases can be prevented by medications and vaccines. Some health safety precautions to take while travelling include: using an effective insect repellent, taking a health/first aid kit, being careful with everything you eat and drink, staying away from hazardous areas, and not touching seemingly harmless animals. Get Vaccinated Lastly, don’t skip your travel vaccinations. Consult your doctor regarding the vaccines that you need for your trip. Discuss all aspects of your itinerary so that your travel doctor knows what you are doing and can then can recommend the best vaccines for you. Some vaccines that can be boosted with a single dose include polio, tetanus, and typhoid. Keep in mind that your body needs time to develop protection after the vaccine shots, so be sure to follow your doctor’s advice. In the case of malaria, your physician may prescribe medications for prevention. Usually, these drugs must be started a period of time prior to your arrival in the affected area. If you’re leaving soon, be sure to tell your travel doctor. Also remember that no drugs are 100% effective, so you also need to do your part in avoiding mosquito bites. Our tips above will come in handy. Do some research about the place you’re going to - the more information you know about the city or country, the more prepared you can be. Whether travelling nearby or internationally, it’s vital to prioritise your health. There are plenty of travel health providers that can assist you with your needs. You just have to plan ahead, be a smart traveller, and follow your doctor’s advice. Check out our other posts on travelling and the benefits of getting vaccinated. Feel free to share these articles with your traveller friends.