Why a travel medicine consultation is useful
Anyone travelling to tropical or subtropical regions is faced with different climatic conditions, pathogens and hygiene standards than they are used to. A travel medicine consultation supports you in assessing individual risks and taking suitable preventive measures. The destination, duration and type of trip (e.g. round trip, trekking, business travel) as well as your personal state of health are all taken into account.
Ideally, the consultation should take place six to eight weeks before departure. Some vaccinations need several weeks to build up full protection or are administered in several partial doses. However, a consultation can also be useful for short-notice trips – some measures can still be implemented just a few days before departure.
Who should particularly seek advice?
- Travellers with chronic conditions (e.g. diabetes, cardiovascular disease)
- Pregnant and breastfeeding women
- Families with small children
- Older travellers
- People travelling to remote regions or under basic conditions
- Long-term travellers and business travellers
Travel vaccinations: what is recommended?
When it comes to travel vaccinations, a distinction is made between standard vaccinations, indication-based vaccinations depending on the destination, and mandatory vaccinations.
Check standard vaccinations
Before every trip, it is advisable to review your own vaccination record. The following vaccinations should be up to date regardless of the destination:
- Tetanus, diphtheria, whooping cough
- Polio (poliomyelitis)
- Measles, mumps, rubella
- In Austria: TBE (tick-borne encephalitis)
Destination-specific vaccinations
Depending on the region, additional vaccinations may be advisable or required. Frequently recommended include:
- Hepatitis A: when travelling to countries with low hygiene standards
- Hepatitis B: for longer stays or closer contact with the local population
- Typhoid: in regions with limited drinking water hygiene
- Rabies: when travelling to remote areas or having contact with animals
- Japanese encephalitis: in certain parts of Asia
- Cholera: in particular risk situations
- Meningococcal disease: e.g. when travelling to the Sahel region or for the Hajj
- Yellow fever: partly mandatory for many countries in Africa and South America
Which vaccinations are actually necessary depends on the destination, the type of trip and your medical history, and is discussed individually.
Malaria prophylaxis: protection against a serious tropical disease
Malaria is transmitted by the bite of the Anopheles mosquito and occurs in many tropical regions. As the disease can take a severe course, effective protection is important. The strategy depends on the destination and may include the following:
- Exposure prophylaxis: consistent mosquito protection through long, light-coloured clothing, repellents with sufficiently high active ingredient concentration, impregnated mosquito nets and air conditioning in sleeping areas
- Stand-by emergency medication: for trips to regions with low risk, combined with the option of seeking medical help in suspected cases
- Chemoprophylaxis: taking medication before, during and after the trip – particularly in high-risk areas
The selection of the appropriate medication is made by a doctor and takes into account tolerability, interactions and the resistance situation in the destination country.
Travel first-aid kit: tips for the right contents
A well-stocked travel first-aid kit belongs in every piece of luggage. Its scope depends on the destination, the duration of the trip and the medical care available locally. The following travel first-aid kit tips will help you put it together:
Basic equipment
- Painkillers and fever-reducing medication (e.g. with active ingredients such as paracetamol or ibuprofen)
- Remedies for diarrhoea and for replacing fluid and electrolyte loss
- Remedies for nausea and travel sickness
- Antiseptics for wound disinfection
- Plasters, sterile compresses, gauze bandages, disposable gloves
- Thermometer
- Tweezers and scissors
- Sun protection with a high sun protection factor
- Insect repellent
- Blister plasters
Additional items depending on the destination
- Antibiotic for emergencies (on medical prescription)
- Emergency medication against malaria
- Eye drops and nasal spray
- Remedies for sore throat or cold symptoms
- Remedies for allergic reactions
- Water disinfectant
- Mosquito net
Personal medication
Anyone who regularly takes medication should bring it in sufficient quantities – ideally in hand luggage and in the original packaging. Also useful are:
- A medical certificate in English, particularly for narcotics, insulin or syringes
- A list of all medications with the active ingredient names
- Notes on allergies and pre-existing conditions, e.g. on an emergency ID card
Please note that some active ingredients freely available in Europe may be prescription-only or prohibited in other countries. Information on this is available from the embassy of the destination country.
Further aspects of travel preparation
Protection against gastrointestinal illnesses
Travellers' diarrhoea is one of the most common health problems on long-distance trips. Simple rules can help:
- Only drink boiled water or water from sealed bottles
- Avoid ice cubes
- Peel fruit and vegetables yourself
- Eat food that has been sufficiently heated
- Pay attention to hand hygiene
Thrombosis prophylaxis on long-haul flights
On long flights, the risk of deep vein thrombosis in the legs may be increased. The following are recommended:
- Drink enough fluids
- Move regularly while seated and in the aisle
- Comfortable clothing
- For those at increased risk: compression stockings and, if necessary, medical prophylaxis after consultation with a doctor
Travel insurance and documents
International travel health insurance with repatriation cover is highly recommended for long-distance trips. A copy of important documents – such as vaccination record, passport and insurance policy – should also be kept in a safe place.
Conclusion
Careful travel medicine preparation contributes significantly to staying healthy and relaxed while travelling. It involves more than just vaccinations: malaria protection, a well-thought-out travel first-aid kit, hygiene rules and general precautions are also important components. Anyone who plans in good time and seeks individual advice creates the best conditions for a carefree trip.
This article does not replace medical advice.