Getting ready for a trip abroad is exciting, but it is easy to forget that travel health should be part of your planning. Whether you are off for a short holiday or a long adventure, taking care of your health before you go is just as important as booking flights and packing bags. Visiting a travel vaccination clinic can help you stay safe and well throughout your journey.
Here is a simple guide to what you should do before you travel, including advice on travel vaccinations and tips to avoid common illnesses.
Why Are Travel Vaccinations Important?
Different countries have different health risks. You may be exposed to infections that are not common in the UK. These could include diseases like hepatitis A, typhoid, yellow fever, or rabies. That is why getting the right travel vaccinations before you leave is so important.
Some vaccinations are recommended depending on where you are going, while others may be required by the country’s health regulations. The timing also matters, as certain vaccines need to be given weeks in advance to offer full protection. It is best to check with our travel clinic experts as soon as your travel dates are confirmed.
Your Pre-Travel Health Checklist
To help you prepare, here is a quick and easy checklist for a healthy journey:
1. Visit our travel clinic: Book an appointment at our travel clinic in Farnham Common at least 4 to 6 weeks before your trip. This gives enough time for vaccines to work and for any booster doses if needed.
2. Check the health advice for your destination: Some countries may have outbreaks or specific entry requirements. Our pharmacists can help you understand what applies to your destination.
3. Get your vaccinations: Depending on where you are going, you might need protection against diseases like typhoid, hepatitis A, tetanus, or yellow fever.
4. Pack a basic medical kit: Include plasters, insect repellent, antiseptic cream, rehydration sachets, pain relief, and any prescription medicines you normally take.
5. Buy travel insurance with medical cover: This gives you peace of mind if you need medical help while abroad.
6. Plan for food and water safety: In some places, it is safer to drink bottled water and avoid raw food to prevent stomach bugs.
7. Use sun protection: Sunburn and heatstroke are common issues when travelling to warmer climates. Carry sun cream, sunglasses, and a sunhat.
Top Travel Health Tips
Taking simple precautions can help prevent most common travel illnesses. Here are a few helpful travel health tips:
- Wash hands regularly or carry hand sanitiser.
- Avoid mosquito bites by wearing long sleeves and using repellent.
- Stay hydrated, especially on long flights or in hot weather.
- Avoid street food unless you are sure it has been cooked properly.
- Rest well before your journey to avoid fatigue-related illnesses.
Our pharmacists can also advise you on medications to prevent or treat travel-related conditions like motion sickness, altitude sickness, or traveller’s diarrhoea.
Find the Right Travel Clinic Near You
If you are looking for a trusted travel clinic nearby, Aroga Pharmacy in Farnham Common provides a full range of services. From giving advice to administering vaccinations, our team makes sure you are fully prepared for your trip. We stock all common travel vaccines and will help you decide what is necessary based on your destination, travel style, and health history.
Stay Safe and Healthy Wherever You Travel
Your health should never be left to chance when you are travelling. A short visit to our travel clinic before your trip can save you from a lot of discomfort and worry while abroad.
If you live around Slough, Taplow or Burnham, book an appointment at Aroga Pharmacy’s travel vaccination clinic in Farnham Common today. Our pharmacists will help you get the right protection, provide helpful tips, and ensure you are ready to travel safely.