Travel Safety Tip #3 - Vaccinations Serve a Purpose: Protect Your Health Abroad



Posted: Wednesday, November 18, 2009

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A very important point that must be made is the fact then when you travel to other countries, you may be putting yourself at risk of contracting a disease or virus that isn't such a big deal or a big worry when you are at home.

Therefore, we once again go back to the education factor in travelling. In this Travel Safety Tip #3', it is imperative that you consult with your doctor or a travel physician several months before you leave to find out the medical particulars in regard to the region in which you are traveling. While some countries may have specific vaccinations that are required in order to enter the country, there are many where certain medications and inoculations are a recommendation and not a rule.

For instance, pretend for a moment that you are heading to Peru. While the country has no specific vaccination requirements in order to pass through customs at the airport, information available recommends that all visitors from North America and Europe be vaccinated for Typhoid, Yellow and Dengue Fever, Hepatitis A and B as well as carry medications for Malaria and possibly even Altitude. While none of these are required, a wise traveler will note that consulting with a doctor and paying for some vaccinations and medications prior to going to this particular country can save a lot of trouble and money in the long run. Please note that it is much easier to deal with a Typhoid Fever vaccination or a Malaria pill as opposed to contracting a horrible disease that has repercussions that are much worse than a ruined vacation.

In addition, if the country you are traveling to does have medical vaccination requirements, it is wise to investigate this well before leaving your home country. If you do not have the required inoculations, you could be turned away from your destination before ever passing through customs.

Outside of vaccinations and medications that could protect you while travelling, don't forget to carefully pack maintenance or special medications that you take at home. Make sure that you leave all of your medications in their original containers that clearly have your name listed as the prescribed. If you happen to take a heavy narcotic for a medical condition, it may be wise to have a note from your doctor explaining why this medication is prescribed and what it is used to treat. By doing this, you protect yourself from having to field any unwanted questions from customs officials if the item you are carrying could be deemed an illegal substance in another country.

Make sure that you carry all of your personal prescriptions in your carry on luggage and make it a special point to keep them close to you at all times. By doing this, you will not have to worry about medicine if your luggage is lost in travel or if there is a delay in receiving your bags once you reach your final destination.

My final thoughts with Travel Safety Tip #3' are; it is always wise to carry over the counter medications that you might need in a rush such as Aspirin, Immodium or Pepto Bismal. You never know when an unexpected headache is going to come on or if you eat some exotic cuisine that inevitably has you running for the bathroom. Carry these medications so you never have to worry about finding a pharmacy or drugstore in a foreign locale or even having to peruse the aisles looking for a medication that could very well have different labeling and foreign name from what you are used to.

By taking these measures, you guarantee yourself a healthy trip.

For more information please visit http://www.thetravelsafetyguide.com

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