Are you preparing a trip abroad? Here is a list of things to consider, such as:
- health information for your destination country
- international vaccination centres
- the first-aid kit you need to take with you
- access to health care
- some recommendations for preventing health problems
Everything you need to enjoy a safe journey.
Find out and get vaccinated before you go
Before leaving for your trip, find out about the health situation in your destination country.
In some cases, preventive measures, such as medication or vaccinations, are necessary. It is therefore advisable to schedule a visit to one of the international vaccination centres in Catalonia.
It is important that you go in good time (at least one month before), as some of the measures need to be taken well in advance.
TOPMedicines to take with you
It is important that you take a small first-aid kit in your luggage. When preparing it, you should take into account the duration of the trip.
It should include medicines for common ailments, such as fever, upset stomach or headache, and first-aid supplies. When travelling to tropical countries, you should carry pyrethrin-based insect repellent and, if necessary, the recommended malaria prophylaxis medication.
If you have a chronic illness, it is important to visit your family doctor. If you are undergoing medical treatment, don't forget to take enough medication for the duration of your stay abroad.
Health care in the country of destination
It is advisable to have a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) to receive health care in European Union countries. It has an expiry date and must be applied for before leaving.
If you are travelling to a country that is not part of the European Union or the European Economic Area, you should find out if this country has a bilateral agreement with Spain that includes health care. If not, it is advisable to take out an insurance policy to cover expenses due to illness or accident during the trip.
Precautions during travel
Travelling abroad may entail some health risks that you can avoid if you follow some recommendations:
- Animal bites and stings.
Bites from arthropods, such as insects, can transmit infectious diseases. To prevent them, apply repellents to the skin and wear light-coloured clothing that covers most of the surface of the body. In addition, avoid contact with any kind of animal, including domestic animals, as they may not undergo health controls.
- Traveller's diarrhoea and other food-borne infections.
The ingestion of contaminated food and water is one of the main risks to avoid, especially if the destination country does not have good hygienic and sanitary conditions. Drink only bottled water, avoid both drinks with ice cubes and buying food from street vendors, and eat only cooked food.
- Sunburn.
Apply sunscreen and start sunbathing gradually. Wear a wide-brimmed hat to protect your neck and ears, and sunglasses that filter ultraviolet A and B radiation, preferably with a wide side band.
- Effects of overheating.
Excessive heat can aggravate a chronic illness or lead to dehydration, exhaustion or heatstroke. Try to wear light clothing (such as cotton), light-coloured, loose-fitting clothes, walk in the shade and rest in the cool areas of the street or in enclosed spaces that are air-conditioned. Carry water and drink often, even if you are not thirsty.
- Upset stomach.
Changes in dietary conditions, timetables, habitat, etc., during the journey can trigger digestive disorders, such as stomach ache or constipation. Avoiding too much spicy and over-seasoned food and alcohol and drinking plenty of water are some of the measures that can help prevent them.
- Traffic accidents.
Strictly observe the current traffic regulations, drive very carefully and familiarise yourself with the country and its driving customs.
- Sexually transmitted diseases.
This type of infections, including AIDS and hepatitis B, have increased in recent years. The correct use of condoms (male or female) is the most effective preventive method, as it acts as a barrier.
