Travelling somewhere this year? We have you covered!

Whether you’re planning a trek in Nepal, relaxing on a beach in Bali or a trip to Europe or the US for business or pleasure, a little bit of planning can go a long way to ensuring your trip is hassle and illness-free. We are an accredited Yellow Fever Vaccination and travel health centre and can cover all your travel health needs like vaccinations, travel first aid kits and personalised advice that’s tailored to you and your destination. Here are our top tips for a great trip!

Before you go
A little bit of planning goes a long way when it comes to travel health. Health issues whilst travelling can occur at any destination, but are especially common when visiting developing countries, with some studies suggesting close to 80% of these travellers will get sick whilst away! Thankfully, the risks can be minimised with a bit of preparation and awareness. And the best place to start is with your GP…

• See your GP before you go
  Checking in with your GP, ideally 6-8 weeks before you go is our Top Travel Tip! Why so early? Some vaccinations involve a course of 2 doses given a few weeks apart and most vaccines need a few weeks to take effect. We can access the latest vaccination and other health advice for your destination and tailor it to you. 
• Pack your travel medical kit
  We can help you work out what you may need whilst away, including enough prescription medication and a travel first aid kit that may include some emergency medicine e.g. antibiotics for traveller’s diarrhoea.
• Take out travel insurance (and read the fine print!)
  Not all travel insurance policies are created equal. If you need medical assistance overseas, costs can rack up into the thousands very quickly. Comprehensive travel insurance with adequate medical cover is a must.

While you’re away
Just a few simple precautions can make all the difference:

• Food and water safety – check if the water is safe to drink (never assume it is; if in doubt, don’t!). Ensure hot food is very hot and cold food is very cold, anything in between can lead to food poisoning or gastro.
• Hand hygiene: wash your hands often and carry hand sanitiser
• Protect against insect bites – diseases like malaria and dengue fever can be nasty – use insect repellent and cover up with lightweight clothing. See our article HERE on protecting against mosquito-borne illnesses.
• Don’t forget sun protection and to stay hydrated. See all our tips for sun safety HERE and if you’re heading somewhere hot, see HERE for how to stay safe in the heat.

When you get back
Sometimes we bring more than just memories and photos back from our trip! If you feel unwell after returning, it’s always wise to come and see us to get checked out: make sure you mention your recent travel.

For more travel tips from us, see our article HERE from a few years ago. Bon voyage!