Travel Advice

Travelling during the Holiday season

The summer holiday season is upon us and most of us are looking forward to a great time exploring new destinations. Planning ahead can help in making the trip enjoyable and rewarding.

Most of these are common sense but a reminder is always useful.

Research your destination – be prepared. Make an appointment with your doctor at East Coast Family Clinic a month in advance to the travel dates, to review your vaccinations. Even if you and /or your child are up to date with routine immunisations, there are several travel vaccinations recommended for many destinations in Asia. Some common examples include Typhoid & Hepatitis A.

More specific vaccinations like Cholera, Japanese Encephalitis, Meningitis and Yellow Fever may be required for certain destinations worldwide.

The need for medications to prevent Malaria or Altitude sickness (e.g. Diamox) may also be reviewed and prescribed.

Ensure you get clean water and carry plenty while out and about to ensure you don’t get

dehydrated. Young children may be fussy with food, so you may wish to carry some small

snacks like raisins or muesli bars and drinks.

If you’re in a hot climate, take care to dress appropriately, not forgetting sun hats/ caps and

sunblock.

Avoidance of mosquito bites by covering up and use of Insect repellent is advised in protecting

against mosquito related infections like Malaria, Dengue, Chikungunya and Zika.

A TRAVEL MEDICAL KIT would be useful to take along. Our clinic has standard travel medicine kits for adults and children, which include medications for fever, pain, diarrhoea, vomiting, stomach pain, cough and colds, allergies and travel sickness. The kits can be customised to your specific needs and travel destinations. Please speak to the doctor/ staff for further information. Please inform the staff about any known drug allergies.