Before traveling abroad, it’s important to consult with a physician. During this consultation, the physician and traveler will discuss various aspects to ensure a healthy trip:

• Health Background: Reviewing past medical history and any existing conditions.
• Trip Itinerary: Examining destinations and potential health risks associated with each location.
• Trip Duration: Considering the length of stay and its implications for health.
• Travel Style: Assessing the conditions under which the traveler will be traveling (e.g., backpacking, luxury travel).
• Activities: Discussing planned activities and their associated health risks.
• Necessary Immunizations: Recommending and administering vaccinations as needed.
• Potential Health Risks: Addressing risks such as injuries, foodborne illnesses, respiratory infections, bloodborne infections, and sexually transmitted infections.
• Likely Exposures: Discussing exposure risks, including specific infections and diseases prevalent in the destinations.

After returning from international travel, it’s advisable to schedule a follow-up consultation with a physician. During this visit, the physician will assess:
Symptoms Assessment: Evaluating for any symptoms of travel-related diseases or illnesses.

• Travel History Review: Documenting destinations visited and any health incidents experienced during the trip.
• Follow-up Care: Providing necessary treatments or medical advice based on any symptoms or health issues identified.
• Health Monitoring: Monitoring for any delayed-onset symptoms or conditions that may arise after returning from travel.

Immunizations play a critical role in pre-travel health preparations. A consultation ensures routine vaccines are up to date and determines any new vaccines required based on the traveler’s destination.

Preventive and self-treatment medications may include:

• Malaria chemoprophylaxis
• Self-management of travelers’ diarrhea
• Treatment for acute mountain sickness, motion sickness, jet lag, or severe allergic reactions

Common vaccines that may need updating or consideration before travel include:

• Hepatitis vaccinations
• Influenza
• Measles, mumps, rubella
• Rabies
• Typhoid
• Yellow Fever

Depending on the traveler’s destination, specific vaccines, and preventive medications will be recommended to ensure a safe and healthy trip. A list of which vaccinations are needed for each country a traveler will be visiting can be found on the Center for Disease Control’s website.