Visiting a travel medicine specialist can help you prepare for health risks in the areas you plan to visit.
A travel medicine specialist is familiar with vaccine recommendations and disease alerts associated with international travel. He or she is able to dispense special vaccines, such as those for typhoid fever and yellow fever, as well as common vaccinations.
When should I visit a travel medicine specialist?
Ideally, the travel appointment should take place at least six weeks before your departure date, since most vaccines take about two weeks to become effective. In some cases, a series of vaccines is needed and may take longer to complete. Bring your itinerary and vaccination record so your health-care professional can give you the best advice for your trip.
What should I expect at the appointment?
During the appointment, your health-care professional will discuss the health risks associated with itineraries that include malaria zones, adventure travel, high-altitude destinations, cruises and travel in remote areas.
Your health-care provider will also ensure that you are up-to-date on all recommend routine vaccinations. He or she might also recommend vaccines for measles and hepatitis A, depending upon where you will be traveling.
If appropriate, your health-care professional can offer vaccinations, medications to prevent malaria and prescriptions for a range of potential problems, such as:
• Traveler’s diarrhea, the most common travel-related illness
• Insect bites
• Altitude sickness
• Seasickness
• Jet lag
Are there other considerations?
UW Medicine travel medicine specialists also provide:
• Advice on traveling with infants
• Tips for pregnant women and nursing mothers
• Information on other health risks
Travel Tips
• Carry a contact card that lists your health-care professional at home and a family member or close contact in the U.S. The card should also contain names of area hospitals or clinics and the U.S. Embassy in the countries you will be visiting.
• Use antibacterial hand wipes or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer containing at least 60 percent alcohol.
• Drink clean water. Choose bottled, filtered or boiled water. All fruits and vegetable you eat should be washed and peeled.
• Wear sunscreen and mosquito repellent. Apply sunscreen first, wait 15 to 30 minutes, then apply mosquito repellent.
• Do not touch or pet stray animals because of the risk for rabies. If you are bitten, seek medical attention immediately.
• Remember to wear your seat belt. Car accidents are the leading cause of injury and death for travelers.
Additional information for international travelers can be found online at Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and Travel Health Online.