So you just got an amazing opportunity to travel to India. Two days from now. Oy.
Traveling last minute, for whatever reason, leaves most people in a scramble as they prepare for departure. Between searching the house for your passport, doing loads of laundry so you have clothes to wear, etc., it’s easy to accidentally forget something on the to-do list.
But in addition to packing and confirming your flight and accommodations, you should also take care of important health needs.
In a perfect world, you would have had a little more notice prior to your trip. And then you would have had time to visit your doctor, which everyone should do at least a few weeks before departure. Depending on where you’re traveling to, you may need to get vaccinations to prevent common diseases if you haven’t already been immunized. Since it typically takes a couple of weeks for your immune system to fully kick into gear, you may need to take extra precaution during your trip, such as watching what you eat and drink and protecting yourself from bug bites.
But this doesn’t mean you should just skip the vaccine altogether. Doctors say that even a single dose of a vaccine can still provide protection. Plus, you can continue the immunizations when you return from your trip. However, vaccines for certain diseases such as rabies and yellow fever may be difficult to administer on such a short notice. In some cases, you may need to re-schedule your trip.
If you take a prescription medication, you should also ask your doctor for extras. You never know if you might lose some or extend your stay, so it’s best to have more than enough.
You should also purchase travel insurance, especially if you have a pre-existing medical condition that makes you more susceptible to illness. You may need to see a doctor if you’re not well or in case of an emergency, and you don’t want to pay foreign medical bills in full.
If your trip is longer than a couple of weeks, consider visiting a qualified physician once you arrive at your destination. Talk to your doctor or check out mPassport for a list of possible local doctors.
Hopefully, you’ll be more at ease and ready to enjoy your travels… no matter how frantic you are getting out the door.
Photo from Cruise Mates.
