Before traveling, getting a checkup and ensuring you are healthy enough to travel without worry is important. This is most important for international travel, especially since COVID-19 and its variants are still present in some countries. You should triple-check if your target destination has any medical requirements so you can avoid any issues upon arrival. Doing your research will help you know what to expect and be better prepared for your trip.
Here are some health preparations you can do before you travel:
Physical Examinations
Physical examinations are important for everyone, not just those who are traveling. Regular physicals help doctors catch any health problems before they become more serious. Frequently, health problems can go undetected unless you have regular checkups. These examinations often check your weight, height, vision, and blood pressure. The doctor will also listen to your heart and lungs. If you have any chronic conditions, such as diabetes or high blood pressure, bring a list of your medications with you.
Dental Check-ups
Dental checkups are important, so your dentist to catch any potential problems early on when they are still easily treatable. If untreated, minor dental problems can quickly become big, expensive ones. For example, a wisdom tooth can crowd other teeth and cause them to shift out of alignment, which might lead to problems with your bite. To avoid this, you can ask a dentist for their wisdom teeth removal services to address the issue before it becomes a problem. You wouldn’t want to be bothered by dental issues while on your trip, so the sooner you get a checkup, the better.
Vaccinations
Getting the COVID-19 vaccine is a given during these times of a global pandemic. So if you require a booster shot, ensure you get it at least two weeks before your travel date. Aside from this, there are other vaccines you should consider, depending on where you are traveling. For example, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that all travelers to certain African countries get vaccinated for yellow fever and take prescription medicine against malaria. However, it’s better to consult your doctor before getting any vaccinations, as some of them can have side effects. These reactions also take a few days before you recover from them, so if you need a vaccine shot, ensure you get it well in advance of your trip.
Medications and First-aid Supplies
If you take routine medication, bring enough for the entire trip, plus a little extra in case of an emergency. Be sure to bring a copy of the prescription with you, indicating how often you need to take the medication and in what dosage. You should also bring a letter from your doctor outlining your medical conditions and listing the medications you are bringing with you.
Also, pack all your medications in their original containers, with the labels showing. You can put them all in a transparent container like a Ziploc bag, making them easy to find in your suitcase. This will help the customs officials when you go through customs and make the process go more smoothly.
You can also consider packing a first-aid kit. Be sure to pack supplies for common injuries, such as bandages, gauze pads, antibiotic ointment, and pain relievers. You might also want to pack insect bite treatment and sunburn relief if you’re traveling to tropical areas. However, you should ensure you don’t over-pack and only bring enough for yourself or the group if you will be traveling with companions.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is important when traveling, as it can help protect you from costly medical expenses if something goes wrong. When shopping for travel insurance, read the fine print to know what is and is not covered. Travel insurance often covers trip cancellations or interruptions, lost or stolen baggage, and more.
Also, be sure to purchase travel insurance as early as possible, as many policies have a waiting period before they go into effect. This often takes about ten days, so if you purchase your policy too close to your trip, it might not cover anything that happens during your vacation.
Moreover, if you are going on a particularly risky trip, such as skydiving or white water rafting, you might want to consider purchasing an insurance policy that specifically covers adventure activities. Ultimately, travel insurance is a valuable safety net that can help you rest easier while on your trip.
No one enjoys getting sick, especially while traveling. It can put a damper on your trip and make you feel miserable. This is why you must take necessary precautions to avoid getting sick while traveling.
