TRAVELLING ABROAD: KEEP IT SIMPLE
Check these five simple tips for safe travel
With over 42.1 million movements across the Australian border last year, it’s no surprise the number of individuals who fall sick while travelling overseas is on the rise. Whether you are planning to hit the ski slopes in Switzerland or laze on a tropical beach in Thailand, it is essential to be well prepared for any potential health concerns.
As a pharmacist, I know the importance of preparing for an overseas trip and how you can provide optimal support for your immune system when travelling abroad.
HERE ARE FIVE TIPS FOR STAYING HEALTHY WHEN TRAVELLING OVERSEAS: 1. Get a medical check.
Prior to any overseas trip, receiving your medical check is a great first step of precaution. For those who are pregnant, have a chronic illness or are travelling to countries with high health risks, you may require a physical check and letter of approval from your GP or specialist, depending on the airline or tour group you are travelling with.
A traveller’s health check should be conducted four to six weeks prior to boarding the plane, however it’s never too late to seek advice from your GP about your travel health. It is important to know about any potential health risks or illnesses that you may be more susceptible to, and how to manage such conditions while overseas.
2. Prepare yourself with the essentials.
Travellers should prepare themselves with an on-the-go health kit, that is tailored to your destination’s specific needs. Consider factors like the time of year, infectious diseases, climate and who is travelling with you when organising your travel health kit. This will prepare for any potential health complications that come with changing altitudes and terrain.
Always include first aid basics, such as antiseptic wipes, antibacterial cream and bandages for any overseas trip. Furthermore, check with your health professional if the area you are travelling to requires antibiotics to protect you from malaria.
Along with expert advice and tips from qualified pharmacists, our friendly staff at Discount Drug Stores can also check that your travel health kit is stocked correctly with appropriate first-aid items, medications or other essential items that can help protect you from airborne diseases and infections.
3. Make sure you’re vaccinated.
Immunisation is a vital part of preparation prior to overseas travel. If you’re going to certain countries, particularly South-East Asia or Africa regions, vaccinations may need to be administered for protection against diseases such as hepatitis, influenza, yellow fever or typhoid, at least four weeks in advance.
Different factors such as your age, location, prior immunisation history and underlying medical conditions may affect your individual requirements, so make sure you check with your healthcare professional prior to receiving any vaccinations.
4. Get wise on medication.
Organising medical prescriptions or equipment for yourself and your loved ones can be one of the most challenging aspects of travel. It’s important to know the ins and outs of travelling if you have healthcare requirements, and how to appropriately and safely take your required medication and supplies overseas. Pharmacists are readily available to advise travellers on what may be required to take and how to do so when venturing overseas.
Since Australian prescriptions may not be valid in other countries, pharmacists will be able to assist in ensuring you have sufficient supply of prescription medication for the duration of your travel. Pharmacists can also advise what documentation you will need to obtain from a medical professional, outlining the medication, dosage and its purpose.
5. Store your medication correctly.
Many environmental factors may affect the integratory of a medication, such as moisture or heat. Exposing medication to inappropriate conditions may render them ineffective or even harmful if ingested. For example, if you are travelling by air, several medications need to be stored in temperature-controlled carry bags.
Please contact your local GP or healthcare professional for expert guidance before travel. Discount Drug Stores pharmacists are also available in-store if you’re seeking professional advice on healthcare requirements or vaccinations needed for overseas travel.
Melissa Hui is a qualified Pharmacist with over 10 years’ experience in community pharmacy and is a Professional Services Pharmacist for the National Discount Drug Stores Franchise Support Office.