Travel medicine includes pre-travel consultation and evaluation, contingency planning during travel, and post-travel follow-up and care. Information is provided by the WHO that addresses health issues for travellers for each country as well as the specific health risks of air travel itself.
Pre-Travel Clinic Visit:
- Note, you are not a patient you are a traveller.
- Online Profiling and Advisory Services
- You will be warmly welcomed
- You will be given a questionnaire and consent form to fill along with the guidance of a staff usually a nurse.
- The Doctor or Consulting staff may ask you some questions on your health and travel itinerary (Journey Details e.g. Air, Cruise Ship, Road etc)
- You may be asked to do some tests and advised on recommended vaccines and preventive medication.
- You will be counselled on your journey & information sheets will be given to you to provide education on prevention and self- treatment on travel related diseases.
- Assessment of fitness/contraindications to travel (e.g. pre-existing illness, fitness to fly)
- Final Tailored Advice (Service): You will be encouraged and taught to take responsibility for your health. A medical travel kit may be advised.
During Travel:
Your contact details and communication will be given including recommended hospitals in your country of visit- Don’t forget to buy Travel and Health insurance.
Post Travel:
On your return trip you will not need to contact your Travel Clinic unless you have a health issue or want to report a health/safety issue you experienced abroad. (This can be done by phoning in)
Studies have shown that there are four main medical problems that travellers develop - diarrhoea or gut problems, respiratory problems, wounds and pain. The medical kit should at least address these common things.
Key areas to consider are vaccination and the six I’s:
- Insects: repellents, mosquito nets, antimalarial medication.
- Ingestions: safety of drinking water &food
- Indiscretion: HIV, sexually transmitted diseases
- Injuries: accident avoidance & personal safety.
- Immersion: schistosomiasis
- Insurance coverage and services during travel & access to health care.