Medicine and the travelling patient?

Question

What travel advice do doctors give?

I know its country specific, but if anyone has a general idea in how to appraoch this, can u let me know?

Thanks!

Answer 1

If you are leaving the country, you may need to talk to your doctor about any additional vaccines, depending on where you are going.

Also, if you are going some place like Mexico where the water is bad, stick to bottled water for drinking and even for brushing your teeth. You can take Pepto Bismol to help prevent traveler's diarrhea (associated with the bad water). It's the only thing out there that's FDA approved for this use. But just keep in mind it can have some weird side effects like turning your tongue black. And don't take it if you're allergic to aspirin.

No matter where you're headed, you can always tell your doctor where you're going and ask if there are any special considerations for that destination (like the vaccines or anything else).

Hope this helps!