A travel - whether for tourist or professional reasons - can have health risks . While some of the travellers illnesses are easily diagnosed and treated, there are others, such as malaria, that can have serious consequences, namely being life-threatening ones. To travel and return in good health, prior medical advice plays a fundamental role . Usually, this advice is given at a traveler consultation . This medical consultation prior to a trip is not just for those going to countries that require vaccinations or other prophylactic measures. There is more advice to give. Ensuring an adequate vaccination status Vaccination counseling is a priority area of a traveler consultation. The vaccines from the National Vaccination Program must be up to date. Many people let the tetanus and diphtheria vaccine lapse and care must be taken that this does not happen. There is also a set of vaccines that are especially important for travelers, such as those against hepatitis A and B, typhoid, Japanese encephalitis, rabies and meningococcal meningitis . For example, the vaccine against meningococcal meningitis is considered mandatory by the World Health Organization in certain situations, for example for those traveling on annual pilgrimages in Saudi Arabia. The yellow fever vaccine is also required in several countries. In a traveller consultation, once the specific destination is known, the needs for specific vaccines are defined. Specific advice for travelers For those who travel, the most common illness is traveller diarrhea , which is related to eating habits. Therefore, in this consultation, travelers are instructed on: Measures to prevent travellers diarrhea, namely food hygiene rules; What to do if you have diarrhea; Medication they should take with them on the trip in case they get sick. When the trip destination are tropical countries where there are diseases transmitted by insect bites, advice is given on the prevention of dengue and malaria (malaria). In the case of malaria, transmitted by a mosquito that is active only at night, in addition to measures to avoid bites, it is also possible to prevent the disease with medication. Among other issues that are the subject of advice in a traveler consultation are, for example: Sexually transmitted diseases , such as AIDS, hepatitis or syphilis, which in some countries have a high prevalence; Jet lag , that is, symptoms resulting from changes in circadian rhythm associated with marked differences in time zone; Sickness and measures to be taken to prevent it; Prevention of venous thrombosis of the lower limbs when there are long flights, a problem that is especially important for people who already have circulation problems such as varicose veins. Travel pharmacy Experience dictates that those who travel take with them a “travel pharmacy”, with a minimum set of medicines - for diarrhea, fever, headaches, allergies or insect bites - and utensils , such as a thermometer. Anyone who takes specific medication must ensure that they take the appropriate amounts of what they need. If the trip is for a particular activity, for example sports, the “travel pharmacy” may have additional needs. Protection in disease Anyone traveling to member countries of the European Union or the Schengen area should carry the European Health Insurance Card , which gives access to health care provided in accordance with the rules of the local public health system. Travel insurance should also be dealt with and the coverage provided, especially when traveling to countries where the European Health Insurance Card is not valid. When to book a Traveler Consultation It is recommended that you book a Traveler Consultation at least 4-6 weeks in advance of your trip. Thus, there will be enough time for all assessments, clarifications and also for the specific vaccines or prophylaxis that are recommended for specific destinations. Travel is unforgettable moments. Let us not let them be harmed by events that can easily be avoided. Author : Saraiva da Cunha Meet the infectious diaseases clinical team from Hospital da Luz network. The content published in the Health Guide is intended for the general public and is provided for informational and educational purposes only. It does not replace individual medical assessment, diagnosis, or personalized clinical advice from a qualified healthcare professional. The content is produced or reviewed by physicians and other healthcare professionals at Hospital da Luz and is based on the knowledge available at the time of publication or the most recent update, as indicated at the beginning of each item.
