Check your Health before you travel

Before I start this blog, I must advise you to consult with a trained professional about your health as everything I state is just personal advice (Also the information is intended for UK residences with regards to the NHS health service).

Before you depart on your big backpacking global adventure round the world, make sure you go to see a doctor to make sure everything is in order before you depart. Soon you won’t be in the UK, best to get the thumbs up from a professional to make sure your health is in order.

It’s important to see what needs jabbing.

Don’t be scared it’s over in seconds!

A lot of your basic jabs you would have had when you was either born or when you were at school. Most of the scary part is over, but still these basic jobs such as polio, Measles, Tuberculosis ECT should be checked over to make sure you 100% have them to be on the safe side, if you do need them, perfect as you most likely need them in everyday life anyway.

Might not even need anything

In most cases Some locations you won’t even need any vaccinations, maybe the area is safe enough or staying in the more upmarket hotels will avoid anything from happening. For reinsurance it’s best to pop along and have a chat with your local GP about your health and seek advice on what they think best suits your travel plans. It’s better to be safe than sorry.

More travel focused jabs

It’s a good idea to go along to your local doctors with a list of the countries your be going to with more in depth areas you will be travelling around so the experts can advise you on Vaccinations that your need.

When I went to Mexico some areas are better than others so not the whole of Mexico needs some jabs but others do so information about more in-depth city’s or areas your be passing will help your Nurse make a better decision on your health needs.

More than likely Hep a & Typhoid for most areas but the more third world locations, the more Jabs, you need, for example, I needed rabies in India so best to get an expert opinion.

Your Nurse will have a very up-to-date database and can make a good judgement on what you will need for your travels.

Malaria Tablets

In some areas of the globe you will need to take Malaria tablets. If you’re advised to take them avoiding them isn’t an answer. I’m aware that the cost can go into the hundreds and its very off putting, but they can save your life in very extreme cases.

Its advised in the UK to shop around, different chemists have different prices and depending on what type of Malaria tablets you go for it might be cheaper across the road.

First of all you need to find out what type you need relating to the area your going to and then the period of time you want to take them, daily ones are cheaper but when I was in Mexico I had a tough time digesting them on a daily basis so a more suitable weekly option is what I personally go for and happy to pay the little extra for the inconvenience. But consult with a professional in the area you’re going to and be advised of your best option that best suits you.

Keep a record

Some countries will not let you enter unless they have proof that you have the jabs or they will give it to you at the border, I don’t know about you, but I would rather get the jab at a local surgery than at a border control. Bring along the travel jab document that can be issued at your health clinic and avoid this extra hassle and cost. For your own health as well as safety as you really have no idea where their needles have been. Your Nurse will issue with a vaccination passport or a print out on request, which you can use as evidence. It’s a good idea to photocopy this document and store it some were safe like on your email account so you can always access this document if it gets lost of stolen.

Generally, get a health check up any way

It’s a good idea to pop in any way to get a check up on your health before you travel just to make sure you’re fit and in shape for what’s ahead of you, get a blood pressure check and look into your body mass index to make sure you are fit enough. Also, you might discover a vaccination update you’re needed for without even noticing. Local doctors surgeries are there to help you out so why not use them.

Up-to-date information

It’s good to seek up-to-date information as some information changes time to time. For the best source try out Fit for Travel . Its government run and constantly up-to-date and full of information

Happy travels and stay safe!