Member News Releases
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
March 29, 2007
Traveling? Make Sure You’re Good To Go with Medical Clearance, Vaccinations
hether for relaxation or adventure, overseas travelers carefully plan, pack, and eagerly anticipate the day their vacation finally arrives. But they often overlook the need for pre-travel medical clearance, prophylactic medications and vaccinations. Emergency Department physician Dr. Michael Peters suggests a better-safe-than-sorry check-in with the Lake Forest Hospital International Travel team.
“The International Travel Program is run by our board-certified physicians and experienced travel nurses who can help you have a safe and enjoyable trip,” says Peters. Located next to the emergency department, the International Travel Program brings you the quality of the hospital facilities at two levels of service depending on your budget.
“We can team with your primary care physician by administering prescribed vaccinations. Or our physician can perform the medical screening, administer currently recommended prophylactic medications and vaccinations, and provide travel safety advice specific to your destination,” explains Peters. “Regardless of the option you choose, our physicians are available to answer your pre-travel questions until you leave on your trip.”
Peters recommends scheduling your pre-travel evaluation at least four-to-six weeks before traveling for vaccinations to be most effective. Special-needs travelers, including children, pregnant women, and senior citizens, might require more time.
A booster dose for routine childhood vaccinations may be advised because some childhood diseases, now rare in the United States, are common in other countries. Measles and polio are examples. Other recommended vaccines, depending on your destination, planned activities and current disease outbreaks, may include Hepatitis A and B, Typhoid, Rabies, and Meningococcal. Finally, travel to certain countries requires specific vaccinations. For example, proof of Yellow Fever vaccination is required before traveling to parts of tropical South America and sub-Saharan Africa.
“We also emphasize Malaria prophylaxis by using protective clothing, mosquito repellants containing DEET, and location-specific medications to help avoid this severe, but preventable, disease prevalent in many warm weather destinations,” Peters adds.
Other important discussions include a review of current country-specific disease outbreaks, the prevention and treatment of travelers’ diarrhea, other mosquito-borne illnesses, parasitic disease, and reducing rabies risk by avoiding stray cats and dogs. “We also remind our travelers to carry medications for all their pre-existing medical conditions, both acute and chronic. Finally, we emphasize traveler’s safety by reviewing current U.S. Department of State advisories,” Peters says.
He concludes: “As you look forward to your next overseas vacation, please keep in mind the importance of pre-travel medical clearance, medication and vaccination prophylaxis, and general travel safety advice. Allow the experienced staff at the Lake Forest Hospital International Travel Program to serve as your pre-travel partner.”
For more information or to schedule an appointment, call (847) 535-6172.
Lake Forest Hospital (LFH) has been named the #1 Consumer Choice hospital in Lake and Kenosha counties for 2006/07 by the independent firm National Research Corporation. LFH has earned this honor two years in a row for having the best doctors, best nurses, best image & reputation and best overall quality.
Lake Forest Hospital is a fully licensed and accredited 215-bed community hospital offering a complete range of services that are staffed by 625 physicians, with offices conveniently located throughout Lake County. For information about the hospital, call 847.234.5600; for a physician referral call 847.535.6171.