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Travelling abroad means you may be exposed to some new risks to your health.
Before you set out to travel anywhere in the world, check the health requirements for your destination. Look at the potential risks and plan the precautions you need to take both before you go and once you are away. These will depend not only on the countries you may be visiting but which parts, for how long, at what time of the year, and where you will be staying. Camping, for example, presents different potential health problems to staying in a hotel. And there may be special immunisation requirements if you plan to enter a European Economic Area country from a non-EEA state.
You can get more information on all these points from your travel agent, the Embassy or High Commission of the countries concerned, or from a specialist travel clinic. See the travel links page.
By planning well in advance help us to all we can to help you stay healthy while travelling. Our Travel form can help you and us.
Make your first appointment in good time (preferably at least two months) before your departure, for advice and to arrange immunisations. Some of these cannot be given at the same time. Some take time to be effective. Immunisation against Hepatitis B, for example, can take six months to give full protection. However, see the Practice Nurse even if you are going at short notice - some protection may be better than none. Tell her where you are going, if you are or may become pregnant and if you are taking children with you. This is particularly important if they have not had their full course of childhood immunisations.
Many of the immunisations that you require are available free under NHS services but some drugs and injections are not included.
If you need anti-malaria medication, your doctor will advise on which is most appropriate. You should start taking the medication a week before departure. Some anti-malaria tablets are available from pharmacists without a prescription.
There will be a charge for those drugs and services not covered under the NHS but this will still only be a tiny fraction of the total cost of your holiday or business trip.
Please use the Travel Form and bring this to your first appointment with the Practice Nurse so she can help you plan any injections you need as well as recommending or arranging prescription of any other drugs you need such as those that limit the risk of Malaria.
If you take regular or occasional prescribed medicines make sure you have enough for your trip.
Always carry medicines in a correctly labelled container, as issued by the pharmacist. Otherwise take a copy of the Right side of your prescription or letter from your doctor giving details of the drug prescribed in case you need it to get you through Customs. Remember, some medicines available over the counter in the UK may be controlled in other countries, and vice versa.
If you want to take any sort of medicine with you - either prescribed or bought from a pharmacist - find out if there are restrictions on taking it in and out of the UK or the country you are visiting. Ask the relevant Embassy or High Commission or the Home Office Drugs Branch (Tel: 020 7273 3806).
If you are taking unusual medicines or strong pain-killers, or anything given by injection, a note from the Practice may be useful at Customs checks.
Keep a written record on your person of any medical condition affecting you, such as angina pectoris, diabetes and haemophilia.
If you require prescribed medicines while abroad, check on their availability at your destination since your doctor can normally only prescribe a limited quantity under the NHS.
If the medication cannot be obtained where you are going, you will have to purchase supplies in the UK.
If you have any doubts about your teeth, or you plan to be away a long time, see your dentist. It may be difficult and expensive to obtain dental treatment at your destination.
Prolonged immobility on long journeys, whether by plane, train or car, can lead to 'deep vein thrombosis' (a blood clot in the leg). Move your feet around, or get up and walk around regularly if you can. And avoid dehydration - take regular non-alcoholic drinks.
If you are a smoker, are overweight, pregnant or taking an oral contraceptive, have recently been in hospital or suffer from certain conditions such as heart disease or cancer, you may be at increased risk. Ask your doctor for advice.
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