In addition to the prevention of risks caused by viruses and bacteria, travel medicine thoroughly evaluates the impact of travel on the body, involving changes in climate, diet, time zones, etc. By checking the general state of health, specialists identify situations that could lead to possible health problems.
- Stress before travel
Almost all of us have experienced it before a trip. Stress can cause abdominal cramps, diarrhea or constipation, and can cause headaches. Anxiety before unforeseen events raises blood pressure, which is especially dangerous in people with hypertension or the elderly. - Changes in time zones
They lead to disrupted sleep patterns, which causes feelings of fatigue, headaches, and weakens the body, making it more susceptible to viral and bacterial infections. - Air travel
It puts a strain on the cardiorespiratory system. Contraindications for air travel include acute cardiorespiratory failure, angina pectoris, condition after a recent heart attack, hypertension, anemia, and pregnancy over 35 weeks. - Diet
Raw or semi-raw products, such as vegetables, fruits or seafood, water are potential sources of infection. The list of food-borne diseases is very long, so you should only consume products after heat treatment. In some cases (food allergies, gastrointestinal conditions) it is necessary to be more cautious and follow specific medical advice. - Sexually transmitted diseases
These are primarily AIDS, hepatitis B and C, but also still encountered syphilis, gonorrhea, scabies and quite common - genital herpes and chlamydiosis. Some of these are protected against by vaccination, while others can be prevented only by leading a hygienic lifestyle and avoiding casual sexual contact. - Infectious diseases
The situation in different countries around the world varies greatly. The most common infectious diseases are hepatitis A and B, tetanus, diphtheria, polio, typhoid fever, yellow fever, malaria, tick-borne meningitis. The only effective preventive measures are immunizations and, in the case of malaria, taking medication on a schedule set by the doctor. The choice of vaccinations depends on the region of the country, the length of stay, the state of immune defenses, as well as the nature of the trip and the type of activities performed.
