Healthy travel: How to protect yourself from tropical diseases!

Healthy travel: How to protect yourself from tropical diseases!

The anticipation of the upcoming vacation increases when you pack your suitcase. However, health aspects in particular should not be neglected when preparing for a trip. Susanne Ergott-Badawi, pharmacist and member of the Austrian Chamber of Pharmacists, points out that careful planning is crucial for a carefree trip. Travelers should consider their health status and the risks specific to the destination.

Choosing the right travel destination is particularly important for chronically ill people, allergy sufferers, pregnant women and older people. Important factors here are the climate, the infrastructure and possible health risks on site. It is advisable to seek advice from a travel medicine institute, especially for people with previous illnesses. A fitness to travel exam, which includes blood work, ECG and pulmonary function tests, can help minimize risks.

Vaccinations and health care

A timely check of the vaccination certificate is essential, especially when traveling long distances. Many vaccinations require multiple doses or time to take effect, so intensive research should be done for information about the vaccinations required for remote travel destinations. Basic vaccinations include tetanus, diphtheria and hepatitis. Depending on the region, additional vaccinations such as typhoid, yellow fever and rabies are important. The Foreign Office emphasizes that precautionary measures should be discussed with tropical or travel doctors.

Doctors qualified in travel medicine can be found through institutions such as the German Tropical Medicine Society (DTG) or the Travel and Medicine Forum. Preventive health care also includes vaccinations and malaria prophylaxis, which are also important for short trips, especially in high-risk areas. When it comes to hygiene, travelers should be careful to consider food and drinking water hygiene as well as personal hygiene. The motto “peel it, cook it, boil it or leave it” can help prevent diarrhea.

First aid kit and transport of important medication

A well-equipped first aid kit is essential for every traveler. Recommended medicines include painkillers and fever relievers (although acetylsalicylic acid should be avoided when traveling to the tropics), anti-diarrhea medication, and things for colds, sore throats and motion sickness. Anti-allergics as well as sunscreen, insect repellent and disinfectants should not be missing. Before departure, however, all medications and what they are taking with you should be thoroughly checked.

Medicines should always be transported in the original packaging and with an information leaflet to prevent problems during import. Especially when traveling by air, medicines should be placed in hand luggage while ensuring that they are stored below 25 degrees. In advance, it is important to find out about the cooling options in your holiday destination, especially for temperature-sensitive preparations such as insulin.

Medical documentation and insurance

A doctor's note for important medications should be carried, ideally in English. Each country has its own regulations regarding the import of medicines, which is why travelers should inform themselves in advance at embassies or consulates. Prescription medications can also be obtained in other EU countries with an EU prescription. It is also advisable for holidaymakers to have travel health and repatriation insurance in order to be covered in the event of illness.

Overall, travelers with pre-existing conditions or special needs should make comprehensive preparation and consider the risks specific to their destination. The Federal Foreign Office recommends finding out about all the necessary measures at an early stage in order to optimally protect your health while traveling. For detailed information on travel medicine and vaccinations, those interested can visit the website courier and Foreign Office visit.