BEFORE THE TRIP

Pre- travel checklist

• Destination and type of accommodation.
  
  
• Duration of trip.
  
  
• Purpose: package tour, business, missionary, backpacking? Exposure to health risk varies with different travel style.
  
  
• Hygiene standard of destination.
  
  
• Special activities: high altitude trekking, diving, hunting, camping, etc.
  
  

Pre-travel consultation

• If you have any medical problems, you have to discuss with your family doctor before travel.
  
  
• Medications that need to be taken regularly should be carried as hand baggage.
  
  
• Make a record of the medicines you are using.
  
  
• Check with your family doctor or the Travel Health Centres of the Department of Health for the types of vaccines required. These may include vaccination against hepatitis A and B, yellow fever (required under the International Health Regulations if you visit certain countries in Africa and South America), typhoid fever, etc.
  
  
• If you need vaccination, tell the doctor about any allergies you may have before receiving the vaccine.