Call it a cruel irony: Preparing for a long, relaxing vacation abroad can be more stressful than just staying home. There’s a lot to think about, after all. Buying plane tickets, arranging hotel accommodations, packing luggage, and making sure travel documents are in order are but a few of the considerations that need to be addressed before you hit the road.
But being prepared for a trip, especially to a foreign country, isn’t just about remembering to bring your favorite flip-flops. You’ve got to think about your health, too – especially if you already have a chronic health condition, says Dr. Aleah Gibson, a physician with St. Elizabeth Physicians.
“Always make a list of your medical diagnoses, medications, and allergies to carry with you when you travel,” Gibson advises. “Medications should be in their original bottles. These tips will help you if you become ill or experience an emergency.”
If you do get ill while traveling, you’re very likely going to need to visit a doctor who is unfamiliar with your medical history. Having everything printed out will help medical professionals make smart choices that take your existing conditions into account, Gibson says. She also advises having your primary care physician’s contact information with you.
When traveling abroad, think twice before you drink the water. Gibson usually recommends that people traveling to foreign countries stick with bottled water to avoid getting waterborne diseases.
When planning a trip to a foreign country, it’s important to check to see if you will need to be vaccinated against diseases that aren’t prevalent stateside. Gibson recommends checking the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website on travel health to find out what, if anything, you’ll need to be inoculated against. Seeing your doctor before you leave for your trip is a must, especially if you have pre-existing health conditions, Gibson says.
“Your local health department should be able to help you, as well,” Gibson says. “Please keep in mind climate differences, and pack accordingly. Don’t forget the sunscreen!”
