Travel Medicine: What do I have to do before I travel?

It is written by the Pathologist-Lomoxiologist, Director of the Locomotive Clinic, If you travel regularly abroad for your work or when you finally decide to take the family vacation, it is important to take special precautions to stay healthy. Especially if you’re going to a country with infectious diseases or unidentified bugs. Here enters Travel Medicine, which is a highly specialized medical specialty, which aims to help you prepare safely for your trip and answer your questions. Watch what? What should I avoid? Do I need a vaccine or medicine before I travel? Travel medicine services at the Athens Medical Center As part of the Athens Medical Center, specialized medical advice services are provided for those who are to travel abroad and especially to developing countries located in Africa, Asia, or South America, where tropical diseases end up, which often affect the health of travelers. The Medical Center’s Clinical Clinic consists of a staff of highly qualified doctors, with excellent scientific training in tropical diseases. The director of the clinic, Mrs. Athena Stoupi, MD, is a Pathologist- Infectious, with special training in travel medicine. In particular, the services offered are: Medical advice before the trip. Specific vaccines required for destination countries. Precautionary measures against malaria and ‘travelling’. Full laboratory check – up before trip. Specialized medical advice and possible treatment for those returning and presenting some pathological manifestation. Information leaflets for the country of destination concerned. Drinking water disinfection instructions. Good use of insect repellent products. Specific instructions for problems such as: jet lag, mountain climber disease, diver disease, etc. Specific instructions for pathological situations that may arise when travelling by plane, ship, train or activities such as hiking, diving, etc. In addition, it is addressed to people with cardiovascular problems, diabetes mellitus, immunosuppression, pregnancy, breast-feeding, young children, and people of advanced age. Frequently Asked Questions 1. Who should make an appointment with a travel medicine specialist? Anyone planning a trip abroad can benefit from visiting a special Travel Medicine. It is particularly beneficial if you travel to developing countries where the risk of serious infectious diseases is greater. It is important to visit particularly for patients who have immunosuppression or other conditions that make them vulnerable to infections. 2. What vaccines do I need to travel abroad? All travelers should be vaccinated against influenza and with vaccines for COVID-19. It is also important that they have completed the adult vaccination programme including: Windfowl Diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis (DTP) Pneumoniumcock Ilara, mumps and red (MMR) Poliomyelitis Herpes zoster Vaccination needs are individualized depending on the history and needs of each traveler. 3. Are there travel destinations that have different vaccination recommendations? Yeah. Some infectious diseases thrive in different climates. Some areas, such as Africa and South America, have a higher prevalence of yellow fever and malaria, mosquito infections. 4. Recommended vaccines may include: Hepatitis A Hepatitis B Japanese encephalitis Meningitis Lysa Typhoid Yellow fever 5. You should plan an appointment 4-6 weeks before travelling. Some vaccines require several weeks to obtain immunity, while others require more than one dose for full protection. 6. Can I visit the Lung Clinic only before the trip? The Medical Center of Athens is available before and after the trip. The group can provide counseling and treatment if you get sick after returning home. 7. I will go to a ‘5 star’ hotel. Am I going to have less danger of getting sick? Maybe, but security isn’t a given. Even in luxury hotels, we cannot know how food and mosquitoes and other insects are prepared everywhere, regardless of the circumstances of the accommodation. That is why it is important to follow the expert recommendations. 8. How can I reduce the risk of malaria when travelling? It’s a disease caused by a parasite. It is transmitted to people through the stings of contaminated mosquitoes. Prophylactic drugs for malaria are available and start before the trip, continue during the stay and for a certain time after returning home. An expert in travel medicine can consider the risks and benefits of all prevention and treatment options. 9. How do I remain healthy while travelling? Make sure you have received all proposed vaccinations and precautionary drugs. Food and drinking water safety is important. You must avoid uncooked foods, non bottled water, and avoid stands on the street, etc. Keep hand hygiene rules by frequent washing and using antiseptic. Mosquitos and bugs can transmit parasites and diseases, such as yellow fever and malaria. Use mosquito repellents. As you make travel plans, plan an appointment at least 4 weeks before travelling with a travel medicine specialist to have a safe trip. Read more articles on health issues,