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Paula Hart, Travel Medicine R.N.
When most people leave the country, plans are typically centered on airline reservations, hotel accommodations, passports or what wardrobe and gear will be needed for their destination. Few think about their possible health risks or are simply not aware that health risks may exist.
Planning ahead and obtaining current and accurate travel medicine advice can save a traveler a lot of problems. More than 900 million travelers cross international borders annually. However, studies show that only a very small percentage seek pre-travel advice and often from practitioners who are not trained or current on such information. Travel medicine has become increasingly complex due to global infectious disease, drug resistance and simply a rise in the number of travelers.
Travel medicine takes into account a person’s specific destination, time of year of travel, length of trip, what activities will they be doing, existing health conditions, allergies, current medications and previous vaccines. This information all goes into assessing a traveler’s level of risk and tailoring appropriate vaccines and education for this individual. Vaccines should only be administered because there is a clear risk. While “shots” are often needed, there are many instances where a traveler has all their vaccines, but needs only health information on malaria precautions, high altitude concerns or how to treat traveler's diarrhea. Prevention through education is just as important as obtaining vaccines.
So, in giving it your best shot, plan ahead and seek accurate travel medicine advice.
