Travel Medicine

Advice From Your Internist at Washington Township Medical Foundation

Travel medicine is the branch of medicine that focuses solely on assisting travelers with avoiding certain health problems that may be obtained in travel. If you are an international traveler, it is important to be aware of potential health risks in the areas to which you are traveling. Ask your doctor for any advice he or she may have regarding preventative medicine, immunizations, and other warnings and advice to be followed prior to the start of your trip.

Immunizations for Travel

Your doctor may recommend the following immunizations in preparation for travel to certain countries. In some cases, these vaccinations will be required; in others they are only recommended.

Common shots travelers should receive include, but are not limited to, immunizations against:

• Hepatitis A
• Hepatitis B
• Typhoid
• Yellow fever
• Rabies
• Tetanus
• Diphtheria
• Polio
• Meningococcal meningitis

In addition, your doctor may recommend preventative medications for various ailments including tuberculosis (TB), malaria, and / or traveler’s diarrhea. Depending on the region you are traveling to, your doctor may warn you about various risks or concerns, including dietary precautions, weather warnings, personal hygiene, and insect bites. If you have any pre-existing medical conditions such as diabetes, ask your doctor for advice about preparing for travel.