Whether you are traveling for work or pleasure, it is essential to plan appropriately before departing on any trip; that includes a consultation with a doctor. First Care offers travel medicine services that will help you prepare for anywhere in the world that you may wander to, but that also means knowing which questions to ask. Here are the top questions you should ask First Care before you travel.
- Do I need any vaccines?
There are many nasty diseases around the world that you could be exposed to while traveling. That is why it is essential to be up to date on your existing shots, as well as to get the vaccines required for your destination. Tell your First Care physician where you are planning to go, and arrange to get all of the necessary vaccines to keep you safe.
- What medications should I bring?
The last thing that you want to do while traveling is to worry about medications, especially when traveling in a country with different brands or a different language. Consult with your physician on which of your daily medications you need to stock up on along with additional medications you should bring. These could include medications for altitude sickness, motion sickness, diarrhea, constipation, heartburn, gas, pain, and more. You may also need specific medications depending on the area in which you are traveling, such as malaria tablets.
- What preventative measures should I take?
Talk with your First Care physician about what you plan to do while traveling. Are you hopping around on city tour buses or planning to go hiking through the mountains? Ask them which precautions you should take, such as bringing mosquito netting or packing bug spray. As well, ask their advice on what items you should pack into your first aid kit so that you have a comprehensive kit without unneeded weight.
- What precautions should I take with food?
One of the best perks of traveling is getting to enjoy all of the delicious food. However, that same food can bring your trip to a screeching halt if it was prepared incorrectly. Talk with your First Care physician about what to look out for when it comes to food so that you can savor every morsel without terrible ramifications.
- What sanitary precautions should I take?
Let’s face it; traveling is not always a sanitary experience. Public restrooms, transportation, and even hotels can be dirty in obvious ways and in ways that you may never expect. Ask your physician what precautions you can take to keep yourself clean and germ-free.
- What should I do to manage my health?
If you have existing health conditions, be sure to talk with your First Care physician before you travel about how you can manage your health. Your physician will inform you of the proper steps to keep yourself healthy and safe while still getting the fullest experience out of your trip.
- Should I take preventative measures against blood clots?
Traveling usually includes long periods of sitting in cramped spaces, which can raise the risk of blood clots. Talk with your First Care physician on if you need to be worried about blood clots and what you can do to prevent them
