GP
Chat by Dr Ben Seckold of Hamilton Doctors
Going travelling?
It is common for travellers to become ill while overseas. Sometimes travel illnesses can be life-threatening. The risk of becoming ill can be reduced by proper preparation. Travel health planning should ideally start at least six weeks before departure. If you have any pre-existing or chronic health problems, you should have a check-up with your GP before you travel. You should also obtain a letter from your doctor with the details of any prescription medication you will be carrying with you. A doctor can provide expert advice about health risks at your destination. A doctor can also advise on other ways of preventing specific diseases while travelling as
vaccines only provide protection against some diseases. If you plan to travel to locations or undertake activities at high altitude (above 2,500m) you should get specific advice for your situation. Altitude sickness can affect anyone. Travel health clinics can also provide specialised travel medical kits. Vaccinations are a safe and important part of looking after your health. Vaccines can be general, or specific to a destination or activity. Vaccines against polio, tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis, measles, mumps, rubella, and varicella are provided as part of Australia’s, childhood vaccination program but a booster may be required depending on your age. The seasonal influenza vaccine is also recommended Travellers to some countries should be up to date with hepatitis A and typhoid vaccines, including any country where bottled water is recommended. Hepatitis B and rabies require more than one injection. Hepatitis B vaccine is recommended for frequent, high risk or long-term travellers. Other vaccines may be destination specific. Proof of yellow fever vaccine is required for entry to some parts of Africa, South and Central America and the Caribbean. Japanese encephalitis vaccine is used for high-risk or long-term travel in Asia, and a meningitis vaccine may be recommended for certain destinations in Africa or elsewhere.
4961 3017
Relax & enjoy your holiday Hamilton Doctors has a travel clinic with authorised yellow fever vaccinations and more.
On the day appointments available Accepting new patients! 46 James Street Hamilton 2303 | 62 Denison Street Hamilton 2303 |office@hamiltondoctors.com.au The Local > September 2018 > Page 43