Planning to Travel to a Different Country? Here’s What You Need to Know

There are many things to consider when preparing for a fun trip to a different country. You might be worried about what to pack or how much money to bring. One of your main concerns, however, should revolve around your health. It is very important to ensure that you have all of the proper vaccinations to enter another country. You should also be aware of tips to follow while you are in another country, as they can prevent serious illnesses. A travel medicine clinic is a great resource for information about staying safe during your travels. 

Check Your Health 

If you are sick before a trip to a different country, you will want to postpone your travel. Just as you do not want to get sick from visiting a different country, you do not want to spread illness during your visit. Before you travel, monitor your health by taking your temperature and noting any possible symptoms. If you believe you may have been exposed to COVID-19, you will need to quarantine for 14 days before traveling.

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Make an Appointment With a Travel Medicine Clinic 

While you might be inclined to search for different health regulations on your own, it is best to visit a medical professional that specializes in travel medicine or a travel medicine clinic. Travel medicine is a branch of medicine that focuses on travel-related illnesses, immunization, and health regulations in different countries, and knowledge of infectious and noninfectious health risks in other countries. You will need to tell your doctor where you are traveling, what activities you will be taking part in, how long you will be gone, and your medical history. Your doctor will take this information and recommend what vaccines and medicine you will need for your trip. 

The vaccines you need differ depending on the country you are visiting. The same goes for potential illnesses. Every country has different illnesses to look out for. Your travel medicine clinic should offer the vaccines that you will need for your trip. You could receive vaccines for yellow fever, Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, typhoid, and rabies. 

Eat and Drink Safely 

Among the many exciting things about traveling in a different country, the food is one of the most tempting aspects. However, some food could make you very ill. The CDC recommends that you only eat food that has been fully cooked and served hot. Avoid eating fresh vegetables or fruits unless you are able to wash or peel them yourself. Tap water is capable of ruining your entire trip. Make sure you only drink bottled, sealed beverages. Avoid ice, as it was most likely made with tap water. 

Avoid Bug Bites 

Mosquitos, fleas, ticks, and certain flies can spread many diseases, such as malaria, Zika, dengue, yellow fever, and Lyme disease. These are all hazardous illnesses. The CDC suggests that you use EPA-registered insect repellents. These repellents should have at least one of the following ingredients: DEET, picaridin, IR3535, oil of lemon eucalyptus, paramenthan-diol, or 2-undecanone. 

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Travel Medicine Near Me 

If you are in the Walnut Creek area of California and are planning on traveling to a different country, BASS Primary Care can help. After asking you a few questions about your trip and your health, we can make recommendations on how to stay safe during your trip, as well as what vaccinations you will need. We also offer a variety of vaccinations, and full laboratory services. Our facility is low-risk and CDC compliant, but we also offer Telehealth visits. Book an appointment today with BASS Primary Care on our website. Or give us a call at (925) 962-9120.