20 Mar Telluride Medical Center: Essential Travel Guide for Off-Season Plans!
The following is a message from the Telluride Medical Center (TMC) to ensure safe Spring travel.
TMC knows many of you are excited about your upcoming travel plans so we want to help you prioritize your health to ensure those travels are safe. In a recent episode of The Curbsiders, Dr. Matthew Frank Watto discussed exploring the nuances of travel medicine, offering insightful tips for travelers with Dr. Paul Nelson Williams,
For more information about Telluride Regional Medical Center, please visit tellmed.org.
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“When planning to travel, especially to exotic locations, it’s important not just to focus on the potential infections you might encounter, but also on personal health conditions and behaviors that could affect your trip,” said Dr. Williams.
From ensuring proper medication management to understanding the risks of high-risk behaviors and travel-specific diseases like malaria, the conversation highlights the broader spectrum of considerations essential for travel health.
At the TMC, the goal is to help you navigate such challenges when you schedule an appointment with your primary care provider. Just call (970) 728-3848.
Below are some travel recommendations per the CDC.
1. Check CDC’s webpage for your destination: to see what destination-specific vaccines or medicines you may need and what diseases or health risks are a concern at your destination. Please note that some vaccines might not be available locally. You may have to travel to Montrose or Grand Junction to receive them.
2. Pre-Travel Healthcare Consultation: If your destination requires specific precautions or vaccinations according to the CDC, schedule an appointment with your healthcare provider or a travel medicine specialist at least 4-6 weeks before your departure That consultation is crucial for obtaining destination-specific vaccines, medicines, and advice tailored to your health needs and travel plans. Discuss your itinerary and activities to receive targeted recommendations. If you take medications, make certain to pack sufficient quantities and carry them in their original bottle in your carry-on luggage in case you get separated from your checked bags. Definitely don’t forget your inhaler(s)!
3. Vaccination and Medical Records: Ensure that all your routine vaccinations are up to date to protect against potential health risks abroad. Carry a copy of your official immunization records whenyou travel, as that can be crucial for medical care outside your home country.
4. Prepare for the Unexpected: Travel involves uncertainties and preparing for such events is key to handling emergencies effectively. Secure travel insurance that covers medical emergencies and possibly adventure activities not included in standard policies. Familiarize yourself with healthcare facilities at your destination, pack a comprehensive travel health kit, and enroll in the Department of State’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive important updates and facilitate assistance in emergencies.
5. Safety Measures During Travel: Follow the guidance of any guides or safety instructors, especially during adventure activities. Always use appropriate safety gear like helmets for biking or life jackets for water activities. Adhere strictly to medication directions provided by your healthcare provider, and only use medicines brought from home to avoid the risk of counterfeit drugs. If you need medical care abroad, see Getting Health Care During Travel.
6. Post-Travel Health Monitoring: After returning from your trip, monitor your health closely. If you experience symptoms like fever, consult a healthcare provider immediately and inform them about your recent travels to assist in accurate diagnosis and treatment.
Important if traveling with children:
Traveling with children requires additional precautions to ensure their safety and health throughout the journey. The CDC offers comprehensive guidelines tailored specifically for families, which cover everything from routine vaccinations to precautions against common travel-related illnesses and injuries.
For detailed and specific advice that can help safeguard your children during travel, visit the CDC’s Guidelines for Traveling with Children. There, you’ll find essential information about how to prepare for your trip, including what to pack, how to manage health care abroad, and preventive measures against diseases and accidents. This resource is invaluable for parents hoping for peace of mind while exploring new destinations with young ones.
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