Most travel health problems we see are timing problems. Someone books a trip in March, thinks about vaccinations in July, and discovers that the course they need takes a month to complete. Working backwards from your departure date solves nearly all of it.
Six weeks before you travel
This is the point to book a travel health appointment. Bring your full itinerary, including any rural stays, planned activities and stopovers, because risk varies enormously within a single country. The pharmacist will check current guidance for each destination and map out any vaccination courses so they finish before you fly.
- Confirm which vaccinations are recommended or required
- Check whether malaria tablets are appropriate for your route
- Review whether existing boosters are still in date
- Ask about travel insurance implications of any medical condition
Two weeks before you travel
Order any repeat prescriptions you will need while away, allowing extra in case of delays. If you take controlled medicines or need to carry needles, ask us for a covering letter listing what you take and why. Keep medicines in original labelled packaging in your hand luggage.
Building a small travel kit
A compact kit covers most holiday problems without taking up half a suitcase.
- Oral rehydration sachets and an anti-diarrhoeal
- Painkillers, antihistamines and motion sickness tablets
- High factor sun cream and after sun
- Insect repellent containing DEET where recommended
- Plasters, antiseptic wipes and blister dressings
Pack the rehydration sachets. Nobody has ever regretted having them and plenty of people have regretted not.
The day before you go
Split medicines across two bags if travelling with someone, so a lost case does not mean a lost supply. Photograph your prescription list and insurance documents. Check the time difference and plan when doses fall, particularly for insulin, contraception and anything taken at strict intervals.
When you get back
If you become unwell within a few weeks of returning, particularly with a fever, mention where you have travelled. It changes what needs to be considered, and it is easily forgotten once you are home. Come and speak to us and we will advise on whether you need to be seen urgently.
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