Planning an overseas escape? 

Some countries still suffer high rates of infection from diseases that are rare in Australia due to our routine childhood vaccination. If you were born overseas, and you are returning to visit friends and family, you should still check with your doctor if you need any immunisations. Your immunity to some diseases may have changed or diminished with time.

3.       Be Yellow Fever aware

Yellow fever is a potentially fatal viral infection spread by mosquitoes. A vaccine for yellow fever must be provided by approved Yellow Fever vaccination clinics. These clinics provide a vaccination certificate in a form that is approved by the World Health Organization. Absolute Medical Services in Lisarow is a registered provider and is one of the only medical practices on the Central Coast that has yellow fever vaccinations available onsite.

Yellow fever is not found in Australia, but some countries require proof of vaccination against Yellow Fever before you can enter. For some countries, Yellow Fever is a very serious risk and a country may vaccinate you when you arrive, refuse you entry, or put you in a quarantine facility if you are not vaccinated against yellow fever. It is very important to discuss this with your doctor.

4.       Take the right medications

Taking your required medications and prescriptions with you on holiday is essential for staying healthy. Carry extra medications just in case, along with your prescriptions. A letter from your doctor regarding your medications, prescriptions or health concerns is also wise.

Don’t forget to take other medications you might need as well, such as pills for motion sickness, headaches, hay fever, digestion and any other ailments that might be common in your chosen countries.

5.       Choose the right coverage

Pre-existing conditions can affect travellers such as high blood pressure, heart conditions, cholesterol and others – which can all affect your holiday time. Compare your travel insurance options so that you can find a provider that not only covers your trip, but also considers all pre-existing conditions as part of their travel insurance offering.

6.       Eat and drink smart

Eating right is a big part of staying healthy, so it’s a good idea to conduct research on the food/drink in each place you intend to go. Basic questions you can ask include:

•      What types of foods are available in this destination and can I eat them?

•      Is the tap water drinkable? (If not, you should stick with bottled water, even when brushing your teeth)

•      Are there any types of foods I should avoid? For example, in Asia, you should often avoid eating any fruit that you don’t peel yourself

•      Should I consume dairy products in this destination?

•      What types of foods will give me energy each day? Avoid consuming too much junk food or alcohol and try not to skip meals

If you are in doubt about how well you’ll cope food and drink-wise, then you need to avoid “street food” – which always looks great but may leave you with an upset tummy! Instead, stick to eateries in tourist areas, which will often serve more ‘western’ meals or book a hotel that has in-house dining options available.

7.       Dress for the climate

Weather and climate can have an enormous impact on your health when travelling. Ensure you:

•      Understand what the weather will be like at your destination and pack appropriate clothing and gear

•      Stay hydrated as much as you can in both hot and cold climates

•      Don’t overdo activities or sports in heat; even walking can be exhausting, so make sure you get lots of rest in between

8.       Fun in the Sun

Enjoying the sunshine is one of the best things about holidaying, but protecting yourself is also crucial if you want to stay healthy. If you’re heading to a particularly sunny destination, make sure you cover up with the right clothing (t-shirts, hats, sunglasses), use sunscreen and drink plenty of water.

9.       Know the local facilities

Understanding where hospitals or medical facilities (like GPs, pharmacies) are in each of your destinations can also be beneficial if you encounter an emergency or simply need to seek medical help. While medical services in most major cities will be common, other destinations can be lacking in medical help, so make sure you are aware of the options.

Investing in travel insurance before you go can also help manage the costs of any hospital or medical treatments, especially since these can be quite high for foreigners.

10.   Rest up

Getting plenty of sleep and rest while on holidays means your mind and body has a greater chance of staying healthy – and it will keep you energised and positive, too! Make sure you get enough sleep and rest as you travel; if you feel exhausted and worn out, organise a relaxing day or give yourself a day off sightseeing and exploring altogether.

On your return

If you become unwell in the two weeks after your return to Australia it is important that you see your doctor.

It takes time after you are exposed to an infectious disease for you to become unwell (the incubation period). For this reason, for the two weeks after you get back from overseas, you should pay close attention to your health.

If you are feeling unwell after being overseas you should see your doctor. It is important to tell your doctor that you’ve been overseas, where you went and what activities you undertook.

Enjoy your trip, be safe and well

By Dr John Schulze

Absolute Medical Services, Lisarow

Absolute Medical Services is a registered Travel Vaccination Centre on the Central Coast, which provides patients with comprehensive advice and appropriate vaccinations for all travel destinations.

AMS have the Yellow Fever Vaccination in stock at the Practice and provide the option of post-travel health screening for travellers returning from high-risk countries.

 www.abmedical.com.au