Traveling around the world is exciting but before you head out, there are some preliminary measures that you need to take to prevent health problems while you are traveling. Getting a medical consultation before you travel to a new country is standard procedure for many people. In fact, some countries require you to get a medical certificate and present it on arrival before entering the country.
When you go for a medical consultation, your doctor will check to see if you are fit to travel and which medical tests and/or medications you need to take while traveling. Here are 5 reasons why you should see a doctor before traveling:
- Climate/Environment conditions
If you are traveling to a country where there is an outbreak of some sort, then your doctor will advise you to take necessary precautions and give you medication or vaccination accordingly. You will also be given medicines for things such as diarrhea, sun burns or even sleeping pills for the flight.
The likelihood of getting sick relies heavily on the climate and hygienic conditions of a country so it is important to be aware of the prevailing conditions and take the required steps to prevent yourself from getting sick.
- Medical Certificate
If you belong to a country where there is an outbreak of a disease or where the current hygienic conditions don’t match the international standards, the embassies of other countries might require you to present a full medical check-up certificate. This is also the case for people going to work overseas. This ensures that the foreign country knows that you don’t have any serious health issues that might prevent you from working or traveling.
- Existing medical conditions
If you are of a certain age, or have an injury or medical problem that might prevent you from traveling normally, then it is best for you to get a medical check-up. Your doctor will be able to determine whether you are fit for traveling, when can you can travel next, and if your existing medical conditions could be aggravated while traveling.
- Play it safe
Even if you don’t have any existing medical problems, it is better to be safe than sorry. Sometimes a routine check-up can reveal any existing problems that were unknown before.
- Preventive measures
No matter what your travel goals and destination, everyone has a different set of preventive measures that need to be considered. A 23-year-old going river rafting in South America would need different vaccinations and medicines than a 65-year-old traveling to Europe.
Recommendations
- It is best to go see a doctor at least a month before you are traveling.
- Research the country and find out what medical exams they require as proof of good health.
- Get a routine vaccination even if there are no medical examination requirements by the country you are going to.
Ask your doctor if you have any further questions so you be fully prepared. To make an appointment with Dr. Parikh at Health One Family Medicine, visit www.healthONEmedicine.com.