Are you planning to travel abroad soon? Before you pack your luggage, it is important that you make sure that you are fit. This is why it is highly recommended that you have a pre-travel health checkup. If this is your first time, you are probably wondering if this is going to be similar to regular health checkups? Or will there be any specific tests that you need to go through?
What Is A Pre-Travel Checkup?
A pre-travel checkup is an examination done when an individual needs to leave for a trip, especially outside the country. For some, this is an additional precaution but for others, it is a requirement. Those who need to undergo a pre-travel checkup are pregnant women, individuals who are suffering from chronic diseases, or those who are traveling to countries with reported health risks.
Pre-Travel Checkup – The Procedure And What To Expect
The pre-travel checkups from travel doctor Melbourne help protect travelers from contracting any diseases during their trip. During the checkup, the doctor will use this time to assess the patients’ health to ascertain that he or she is fit to travel. The patient should disclose the following information:
- Travel destination.
- Reason for the trip.
- Schedule and duration of the vacation.
- Travel arrangements.
- Accommodation types.
- Transportation options.
Once all of this vital information is provided, the patient will start with the standard physical examination. Once the travel health checkup is done, the doctor should be able to determine whether you are fit to travel or not. You will be assured that you are in good health and is okay to engage in different activities that are included in your itinerary. You will also be made aware of the risks that you might face as well as tips on how to protect yourself from contracting any possible diseases.
Also, the person will be provided with the necessary immunizations. If needed, the patient should also be able to request a certificate stating that he or she is fit to travel. This might be required by some airline companies especially if the person is pregnant, or has a reported health condition.
Health Risks That Can Affect The Trip
Remember that long trips will expose your body to different conditions like long flights, increased air pressure, cramped conditions, and so on. Because of this, it can have a huge effect on your trip. These factors will not only affect the patients’ long-term health but can also cause more complex risks while onboard, like the lack of readily available medications and medical care.
Other than that, there are also health risks in different countries like infections and diseases. These can be easily transmitted by water, food, air, or other means. This is why it is best that you are protected from possible diseases and other risks while traveling.
Whether you are traveling for business or pleasure, it is very important that you put yourself on top of your priority. Your health should not be taken for granted. Pre-travel health checkup can make a huge difference.
