Good health on the big OE

By KATHERINE HOBY

So you're planning a trip overseas? It may be the big OE, or simply a jaunt to rest weary bones or a stressed mind.

Everyone wants to have a trip to remember - but make it for the right reasons. Being prepared medically, especially if you are heading off for a long time, is common sense.

Seeing a doctor a month or two before you go is a good idea for peace of mind. Take a copy of an itinerary and details of previous vaccinations. To have a happy healthy holiday, fill out our checklist:

* Have a full medical check, and review any ongoing concerns. Deal with those concerns while you have access to quality local healthcare.

* Don't neglect your teeth. Have a dental check-up.

* Visit an optometrist. Take a script for your lenses or glasses with you.

* Take out travel insurance. If you are caught overseas without it, it could be a pricey, frightening experience.

* Make sure your routine immunisations are up to date. You might need an ADT (diptheria and tetanus) and polio booster.

* Make sure you have had measles, mumps and rubella jabs. Hepatitis B protection is a good idea.

* Other vaccinations might also be needed, depending on your destination and length of stay. Typhoid and hepatitis A are often recommended.

* A yellow fever vaccination is required for entry to some countries. It is available only at specialist centres.

* In high-risk areas Japanese encephalitis, meningococcus and rabies inoculations are sometimes required.

* Take a first aid kit. What that kit should include depends, again, on where you are travelling to and for how long.

* Other things to consider taking: condoms, water-purifying tablets, and tampons - all of which might not be readily available in some countries.

* Depending on itinerary and activities, mosquito-transmitted malaria is a risk. There is no vaccine, so insect repellent is strongly recommended.

* A supply of the contraceptive pill is recommended. Having to change pills or go off it mid-trip is not recommended.

* Carry a list (preferably written by a doctor) of medications you are carrying. It could be useful if customs officials question you.

Any person travelling overseas should obtain individual travel health advice. This should take into account the personal health of the traveller, intended activities, style of travel, type of accommodation, time of year and length of stay.

Many countries require vaccinations or medications only if you are travelling to outlying areas.

Websites to check include:

Travel heath preparation

Traveller's medical and vaccination centre

Travel Health

ISTM - lists travel clinics worldwide