The Ultimate Travel Health Checklist for Your Next Overseas Adventure
Heading overseas from Australia? Our comprehensive travel health checklist covers everything from essential vaccinations to managing jet lag. Travel safely with expert advice from Parkmore Medical Centre.
Planning an overseas trip is an exciting time. You’re likely dreaming of new sights, sounds, and experiences. But amidst the thrill of booking flights and accommodation, it’s crucial not to overlook one of the most important aspects of your preparation: your health.
A medical issue far from home can be a stressful and costly experience. That’s why a pre-travel health consultation is one of the smartest investments you can make. At Parkmore Medical Centre, we’ve helped countless travellers prepare for safe and healthy journeys. To get you started, here is our ultimate travel health checklist.
6-8 Weeks Before You Go: The Consultation
Your first step should be to book a travel health consultation with your GP. This is essential for several reasons:
- Personalised Advice: Your doctor will assess your individual health needs based on your itinerary, planned activities, and personal medical history.
- Travel Vaccinations: Many countries have recommended or required vaccinations. Popular destinations for Australians, like Southeast Asia, South America, and parts of Africa, often require protection against diseases like Hepatitis A and B, Typhoid, and Tetanus. Your GP will advise on what you need and administer the vaccines.
- Malaria and Other Diseases: If you’re travelling to a region with mosquito-borne illnesses like malaria, dengue fever, or Zika virus, your doctor can prescribe preventative medications and provide crucial advice on avoiding bites.
4 Weeks Before You Go: Medications and First-Aid
- Managing Existing Medications: Discuss your regular medications with your GP. You’ll need a letter from your doctor listing your medications, including their generic names, and the condition they treat. Ensure you have enough to last your entire trip, plus extra in case of delays. Always carry your medication in your hand luggage.
- Assemble Your Travel First-Aid Kit: While you can buy many things overseas, having a basic kit is invaluable. We recommend including:
- Pain relief (paracetamol or ibuprofen)
- Antiseptic wipes and hand sanitiser
- Band-aids and wound dressings
- Antihistamines for allergies or bites
- Gastro-stop for diarrhoea
- Rehydration salts
- Any personal medications
1-2 Weeks Before You Go: Final Preparations
- Beat Jet Lag: Plan to adjust your sleep schedule a few days before you fly. When on the plane, drink plenty of water, avoid excessive alcohol and caffeine, and try to sleep according to your destination’s time zone.
- Prevent Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT): On long-haul flights, it’s important to move around regularly, stretch your legs, and stay hydrated. Your GP might also recommend compression stockings for added protection.
- Travel Insurance: Ensure your travel insurance is comprehensive and covers medical emergencies and repatriation.
Your GP is Your Best Resource
Your health is your most valuable asset. Don’t leave it to chance.
Ready to start your travel preparations? Book a travel health consultation with a GP at Parkmore Medical Centre today. We’re here to ensure your adventure is a healthy and happy one. Call us or book online now.
Written by the medical team at Parkmore Medical Centre.
Disclaimer: This blog post is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Please consult with a healthcare professional for any health concerns.
