5 Frequently Asked Questions About Travel Medicine

If you are planning a trip out of the country, you may be thinking about travel medicine. Travel medicine is a subcategory of medicine that focuses on travel-related illnesses. A doctor specializing in travel medicine will be familiar with immunization and health regulations in different countries and infectious and non-infectious health risks in other countries. It is a great idea to visit a travel medicine doctor before your trip, as you will need to get a variety of vaccines before you enter another country. Depending on your health, you may need advice on how to remain healthy during your travels. A travel medicine doctor will help you with all of this and more. 

1. What Happens During My Travel Medicine Clinic Visit? 

During your visit with a travel medicine clinic, your doctor will ask a variety of questions. They may ask where you are traveling, what activities you will take part in during your travels, the length of your stay, and your medical history. With this information, your doctor will determine which vaccines and medicine you may need before your trip. Your doctor may offer advice as well. Some of this advice may include the recommendation to not consume uncooked foods or tap water during your travels. 

2. What Vaccinations Should I Get? 

During your travel medicine trip, your doctor will recommend a variety of vaccines for you to receive. These may include vaccines for Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, tetanus, typhoid, rabies, influenza, Japanese encephalitis, or yellow fever. There are three types of vaccines, a routine vaccine (recommended for everyone in the United States), a required vaccine (travelers must have these vaccines in order to enter a country), and recommended vaccines (CDC recommended vaccines that are not always required by a country). If you are uncertain about a recommended vaccine, contact your travel medicine doctor. 

3. When Should I Get My Immunizations? 

You should consider getting your immunizations at least two weeks before you travel. Some vaccines, such as Hepatitis B or Japanese Encephalitis, will require up to 3 doses and a waiting period in between vaccinations. In order for the vaccines to take effect, you will need to wait. It takes about two weeks for your immune system to produce protective antibodies. 

4.  How Do I Protect Myself From COVID-19? 

During your travels, make sure you are wearing a mask in public spaces at all times. Your mask should be properly filtered; a thin mask will protect you less from coronavirus. Wash your hands multiple times throughout the day, especially after touching objects that could be contaminated. Wash your hands with soap for 20 seconds. If you are unable to use water and soap, use hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol content. 

5. I Feel Sick During My Trip. What Now? 

In the case of immediate emergencies, seek out a hospital in the country you are visiting. If you are experiencing any form of sickness, your travel medicine clinic should offer Telehealth services. At BASS Urgent Care, we offer Telehealth consultations. If you were to fall ill during your travels, we would be able to help you decide what your next step would be. 

Travel Medicine Near Me

If you are traveling to another country and are looking for a quick appointment for a check-up, BASS Urgent Care is located in Walnut Creek, California. We pride ourselves on how quickly we can get patients in for a visit. We offer a variety of vaccines, on-site lab testing, and more. Our facility is low-risk and clean, but if you would prefer, we also offer Telehealth visits. To book an appointment with BASS Urgent Care, visit our website. Or give us a call at (925) 329-3718.