Summer travel is exciting, but a health issue on the road can derail even the best-planned vacation.
A little preparation before you leave goes a long way toward keeping you and your family feeling your best, whether you’re driving a few hours or flying overseas.
Before and during your trip, keep these tips in mind:
- See your primary care provider at least four to six weeks before international travel. Some destinations require vaccines or medications—like malaria prevention—that need time to take effect.
- Make sure routine vaccines are up to date, including flu, COVID-19, tetanus and hepatitis A or B.
- Pack a travel health kit with prescription medications (plus extras), pain relievers, antidiarrheal medication, sunscreen and insect repellent.
- Stay hydrated, especially on long flights and in hot climates. Airplane cabins are low in humidity, and heat can quickly lead to dehydration.
- Be cautious about food and water safety when traveling internationally. When in doubt, stick to bottled or treated water and cooked foods from reputable sources.
- Protect yourself from the sun and insects. Use broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher and EPA-registered repellent, particularly in regions where mosquito-borne illnesses are a concern.
- If you have a chronic condition, carry a summary of your medical history and a list of your medications in case you need care away from home.
A pre-travel health care visit can help travelers identify any recommended vaccines or destination-specific precautions before they leave, reducing the risk of preventable illness and allowing them to enjoy their trip with greater peace of mind.
Don’t wait until the week before your departure. Trinity Health Mid-Atlantic primary care offers same-day and advance appointments, to help you prepare, so you have the peace of mind when you go.