Staying in good health while travelling can help ensure that your trip will be a happy and enjoyable one. Here’s a list of things to do before departure:

1) Gather information on your travel destinations and possible activities. Educate yourself on prevalent local diseases.

Image source: Pexels

2) Make sure to get your flu shot at least 2 weeks before travel because it takes 2 weeks for vaccine immunity to develop after the vaccination.

Image source: Amazing Discoveries

3) Bring medicines from home that you are familiar with and comfortable taking.

Image source: Shutterstock

Carry them in their clearly labeled, original containers. Check to see if you need to re-fill those bottles. If you’re carrying a travel medical kit with you, include the following:

i) Zinc throat lozenges: zinc stimulates the immune system

ii) Vitamin C: ideal for prevention.

Travellers should consider taking this daily during flu season travel.

4) Provide the following information for your healthcare provider to assess your health risks

Image source: Pexels

i) Travel destination(s) including stopovers

ii) Duration and season of the travel

iii) Purpose of travel

iv) Standard of accomodation

v) Activities planned

vi) Current health status and medical history

vii) Vaccination history

5) Carry a letter from your healthcare provider that includes a list of all pre-existing medical conditions and your prescriptions, including their generic names. Add the details of your emergency contact to the list.

However, by using Teleme to consult your doctor, you don’t have to carry letters anymore and you can view your letter from your doctor, prescriptions and medical conditions all accessible from Teleme’s app as long as you’re connected to the internet!

6) Consider bringing your own blanket or pillow.

Image source: 123rf

The blanket and pillow offered by airlines may be contaminated from the traveller using it before you. Stay on the safe side and bring your own travel pillow and blanket, especially if you’re taking a long flight. A blanket or wrap to keep you warm will be helpful if you’ve been exposed and are coming down with the flu.

References

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The Yellow Book. Health Information for International Travel 2014, Travel Insurance Review: 8 Steps to Prepare for Flu Season Travel, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Influenza (Flu). Influenza Prevention: Information for Travelers 

---

Disclaimer. TELEME blog posts contains general information about health conditions and treatments. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. The information is not advice and should not be treated as such. 

If you think you may be suffering from any medical condition, you should seek immediate medical attention from your doctor or other professional healthcare providers. You should never delay seeking medical advice, disregard medical advice, or discontinue medical treatment because of information on this website.