LOGIC LOGIC 2019 Winter Vol 18 No 2 | Page 22

Travel health Erica Donovan Sometimes you just get bitten by the travel bug and want to get away for a while. If holidays consist of overseas travel it can good for patients (and us ourselves) to consider health. Patients may enquire what they need to in terms of vaccinations and medications to take with them overseas. However, providing straightforward advice isn’t always easy as it can depend on where they’re heading to, what activities they’re planning on doing, and in what areas they’re staying. Some vaccinations may be as common as an influenza vaccine, where as if they are travelling to certain countries, they may be refused entry if the person cannot provide evidence of vaccination. they’re away, which can lead to costly Doctor’s visits. And speaking of what can be costly – getting sick overseas. It’s always important to remind people to consider travel insurance. We don’t like to think that we’ll spend a holiday in hospital or sick in a hotel, but the reality is that it happens. If you want to learn more about travel health, Pharmac has a great series of videos around all things travel including vaccinations, medical kits, diseases patients need to be wary of when travelling and travel related injuries. Travelers can also head to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade website which as an area dedicated to staying heathy while travelling. When providing travel information, it is also important to remember the basics – safe sex, safe drinking advice, being sensible about hand hygiene and sun safety. Patients also need to consider if they have enough of all their medications and if these require documentation from their Doctor. From working at a walk-in clinic, I can tell you there are many people who don’t consider how much medication they need while Ta’u Island, National Park of American Samoa: https://www.flickr.com/photos/usinterior/9109117816 Winter2019 L.O.G.I.C 20