Stay Healthy While You Travel: Guide to Travel Health

Travelling is an exciting opportunity to explore new destinations, immerse yourself in different cultures, and create unforgettable memories. But before you pack your bags, it’s crucial to plan for your health and safety to ensure your trip goes as smoothly as possible. Your local IPA Pharmacy is dedicated to helping you stay healthy while you explore the world.

Why Travel Health Matters

When travelling, especially to international destinations, you may encounter health risks that aren’t present at home. From unfamiliar illnesses to food and water safety concerns, it’s important to take precautions to protect yourself and your loved ones. People who travel overseas have a 50% chance of experiencing a travel-related illness.¹ While most of these illnesses are minor, serious infectious diseases are endemic in some parts of the world.

Proper preparation can minimise these risks and help you focus on enjoying your adventure.

Pre-Travel Checklist: How to Prepare

1. Visit Your Pharmacist or GP

Schedule a pre-travel health consultation at least 6–8 weeks before your trip.¹ Some vaccinations need to be administered weeks or even months in advance. Even if you’re travelling at short notice, it’s never too late to seek advice.

2. Have a Medical Check-Up

Make sure you’re in good health before you travel. A dental and vision check-up, along with packing a spare pair of glasses, can also be helpful.

3. Vaccinations

Vaccinations are essential for preventing serious diseases.  Vaccinations, including the flu and COVID-19 vaccines, are critical for protecting your health while travelling. The flu spreads rapidly in crowded settings like airports and airplanes, while COVID-19 remains a global health concern. Being vaccinated reduces your risk of severe illness and helps protect vulnerable populations in the areas you visit.

Other common travel vaccines include:

• Hepatitis A and B: Protect against liver inflammation caused by viral infections.²
• Typhoid: Prevents bacterial infections spread through contaminated food and water.²
• Yellow Fever: Required for travel to certain countries. Protects against a potentially fatal mosquito-borne virus.²
• Japanese Encephalitis: Protects against a mosquito-borne virus prevalent in rural and agricultural areas.²
• Rabies: Prevents a deadly virus transmitted by animal bites.²

Your Pharmacist can advise on required vaccinations based on your destination and planned activities.

4. Medications

Some destinations pose risks for illnesses like malaria. Your doctor can prescribe preventive medications and your Pharmacist can help ensure you pack enough regular medications along with prescriptions, if you are travelling within Australia. It is also recommends carrying a letter from your doctor if you’re travelling with controlled substances and keeping medications in their original packaging with a pharmacy label.

5. Organise Travel Insurance

Ensure your travel insurance covers health emergencies, including evacuation to a suitable hospital. Insurance is vital for peace of mind and financial protection during medical emergencies.

Travel Health Essentials to Pack

Don’t leave home without these:

• First Aid Kit: Include band-aids, antiseptic wipes, pain relievers, and prescription medications.
• Insect Repellent: Choose one with at least 30% DEET or 20% picaridin to protect against mosquito-borne diseases like malaria and dengue.
• Sunscreen: Use SPF 50 or higher and reapply frequently.
• Hand Sanitiser: Essential in areas with limited water.
• Electrolyte Tablets: Stay hydrated, especially in hot climates or if you experience travel-related diarrhoea.
• Face Masks: Helpful in crowded areas or during flu season.

Staying Healthy on the Go

1. Practice Food and Water Safety

• Drink bottled or boiled water; avoid ice in drinks.
• Avoid raw or undercooked foods, especially meat, seafood, and eggs.
• Stick to fruits and vegetables you can peel yourself.

2. Stay Hydrated

Carry a refillable water bottle and drink regularly, especially in hot climates.

3. Protect Against Insect Bites

• Wear long sleeves and pants.
• Sleep under a mosquito net if necessary.
• Stay in air-conditioned, screened accommodation.

4. Avoid Overexertion

Adjust to local conditions, such as altitude and temperature. Take breaks when needed.

5. Practice Good Hygiene

Wash your hands often or use hand sanitiser. Avoid touching your face.

What to Do If You Get Sick While Travelling

Despite your best efforts, illness can still happen. If you feel unwell:

• Seek Local Medical Help: Identify nearby healthcare facilities or pharmacies upon arrival.³
• Contact Your Travel Insurance: They can assist with medical care and expenses.³
• Stay Isolated: If you suspect a contagious illness, avoid close contact with others.³

Post-Travel Health Tips

After returning home, monitor your health for a few weeks. If you experience unusual symptoms such as fever, persistent diarrhoea, or rashes, see your doctor promptly and inform them about your travel history.

How Your Local IPA Pharmacy Can Help

At your local IPA Pharmacy, we offer comprehensive travel health services, including:

• Pre-travel consultations
• Travel vaccinations
• Preventative medications
• Travel health products, like first aid kits and insect repellents

Visit us in-store or book an appointment online to ensure you’re fully prepared for your next adventure. Let us help you travel confidently and stay healthy wherever your journey takes you.

Safe travels from all of us at IPA!

Resources:

Smartraveller

Smartraveller Checklist

Traveldoctor

References:

1. Better Health Channel. Travel health tips.
2. Better Health Channel. Travel immunisation.
3. Australian Government Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. Smartraveller.

Important Information

The information provided on this website is shared in good faith for general informational purposes only. It does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation of any specific treatment, product, or service, nor is it a substitute for professional advice. Always consult with qualified professionals regarding matters related to your health, wellbeing, or other personal concerns. While every effort is made to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the information, we cannot accept responsibility for any injury, loss, damage, or consequences resulting from its use.