Travel health blog 2023
Travel health refers to the measures you can take to protect your health while travelling.
This includes considerations such as vaccinations, preventing insect-borne diseases, avoiding contaminated food and water, packing the holiday essentials, and managing jet lag.
Before travelling, you should always research the health risks associated with the destination, including any necessary vaccinations or medications. You should also be aware of the local climate and environment, as well as any potential health hazards, such as disease outbreaks or natural disasters.
While travelling, you should take precautions to prevent illness and injury, such as practising good hygiene, avoiding risky behaviours, and following food and water safety guidelines. It is key to also be aware of the signs and symptoms of common travel-related illnesses, such as traveller’s diarrhoea and malaria, and seek medical attention if necessary.
Did you know, you may need to be vaccinated?
Travel vaccinations are vaccines that you may need to receive before embarking on a trip, to protect yourself and others from certain diseases that may be more prevalent in the destination country. Vaccinations are designed to stimulate the body's immune system to produce antibodies against a specific disease, which can help prevent you from becoming infected with that disease and getting ill.
The vaccinations recommended for travellers can vary depending on factors such as age, health status, and destination country.
Common vaccinations recommended for travel include:
· Hepatitis A and B
· Typhoid fever
· Yellow fever
· Rabies
· Meningococcal disease
· Japanese encephalitis
· Cholera
· Measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR)
It is important to plan for travel vaccinations, as some will require multiple doses or need to be administered several weeks before travel to be effective. You should consult with your GP or a Whitworth Pharmacy travel health clinic to determine which vaccinations are recommended for your specific travel plans.
Even if you had certain vaccinations in the past, you may need a ‘booster’ injection to ensure that you are protected.
Have you got travel Insurance?
You should also consider purchasing travel insurance to provide additional peace of mind and financial protection in case of unexpected events or emergencies.
Travel insurance can provide you with coverage for a variety of situations, such as trip cancellation or interruption, medical emergencies, and lost or stolen luggage. Some travel insurance policies may also cover costs associated with emergency medical evacuation or repatriation, which can be especially important if the traveller becomes ill or injured in a remote or unfamiliar location.
When planning travel, it is important to consider both travel insurance and vaccinations. As in some cases, for your travel insurance to be valid you must have received the advised vaccinations within the specified period in advance of your trip date.
Have you packed the essentials?
Travel essentials are items that are important to bring on a trip to ensure a safe, comfortable, and enjoyable travel experience.
Some common travel essentials include:
· Travel documents: This includes a passport, visa (if required), and any other necessary travel documents.
· Money: It is important to bring enough money to cover expenses during the trip, as well as credit or debit cards to withdraw cash or make purchases.
· Medications: Any necessary medications should be brought along, along with a copy of the prescription.
· Electronics: This includes a phone, camera, laptop, or any other electronics needed for the trip, along with their chargers and adapters.
· Clothing and footwear: Appropriate clothing and footwear should be packed based on the destination and activities planned.
· Cosmetics: This includes, sun creams, sprays, after sun and Insect repellents. Get yours here (insert hyperlink)
· Toiletries: This includes items such as toothbrushes, toothpaste, soap, shampoo, and any other necessary personal hygiene items. Get yours here (insert hyperlink)
· First aid kit: A basic first aid kit can be useful in case of minor injuries or illnesses. Get yours here (insert hyperlink)
· Travel pillow and blanket: These can make long flights or car rides more comfortable.
Don’t let illness impact your travel plans. Taking steps to protect one's health while travelling can help ensure a safe and enjoyable trip.
Be prepared with the latest advice, vaccinations, and travel products you need, visit your local Whitworth Pharmacy today or shop online today.
Book Travel clinic here: https://whitworthchemists.co.uk/services/travel-clinic
Shop travel here: https://shop.whitworthchemists.co.uk/collections/travel
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