Toukley Family Practice offers comprehensive travel health services to individuals, families, corporate groups and organisations on the New South Wales' Central Coast.

Our goal is to protect the health of patients and travellers by providing exemplary clinical care along with specific advice and information for each traveller.

Our general practitioners have a wealth of expertise in travel medicine and most vaccines and some medications and travel health kits can be provided to you immediately on-site.

Here are a few tips to consider:

BEFORE YOU GO

Whatever your destination, the best possible pre-travel preparation is essential to help protect your health while away. Some vaccines are compulsory, and you will have difficulty crossing borders without correct documentation. Other vaccines are highly recommended for your own health and safety.

Organize to see your doctor and find out if vaccinations are required for your travel destinations, at least 6 weeks before you plan to leave.

Vaccines
No matter where you are going, it is wise to ensure your childhood vaccines are up to date - your doctor can advise if they are current or not. For some travelers other vaccines may be recommended.

Your doctor can advise the best course of action and will consider your age, trip destinations and any possible reactions to the vaccine.

Packing a Medical Kit
It can be wise to organize a basic medical kit for your trip, to cover emergencies, or when assistance may be remote or difficult. Such kits can be purchased in Australia, at travel clinics, camping stores or online  - see http://www.equip.com.au/.

Be aware though of possible medication or safety equipment restrictions which may be in place in foreign countries, as well as Australian restrictions in taking some medications overseas.

WHEN YOU GO

Going on an exotic trip for a short or long time can be very exciting. Don't be overwhelmed by excitement and spoil the enjoyment through poor food and drink choices.

Talk to your doctor about measures to take to help guard against:

Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)
DVT is a potentially serious problem, especially for longer journeys.

Food Poisoning
Trying the local cuisine is one of the pleasures of traveling, but be mindful about what you eat and your own personal hygiene. Such measures can reduce the chances of a nasty food-borne infection

Contaminated Water
Consider possible water boiling options, transportable water purifiers, or having bottled water. In some locations it can be best to avoid ice (including ice cubes) as germs can be preserved in ice, not killed.

REMEMBER:

Plan to talk to your doctor before taking a trip - we suggest 6 - 8 weeks at the minimum. They can give good advice to reduce health and travel risks. It is important to make an early appointment to see your doctor before a trip overseas as some courses of vaccinations need to be commenced at least 4 weeks prior to your departure date.

Resources
If you have access to the Internet there are a number of sites which may provide more detailed travel and vaccination information, as well as some travel magazines or see our related links section on this page.

HAVE AN ENJOYABLE AND SAFE TRIP!!