About this topic
A chronic illness is one that you have for a long time. Most illnesses should not keep you from traveling. It can be a nice way to relax and give your body a fresh start. Just as you make plans for a fun, safe trip, you must make plans to care for yourself. Be sure to give yourself extra time if you are traveling far away. Your plans need to allow you time to adjust to changes in climate, time zones, and diet. Think about how much walking you are able to do. Will you need extra help to get around at the airport, or bus or train station? You may become very tired if you have to walk more when you travel. It is important to think about these things when planning a trip. ‚
General
When you travel, plan ahead in the following ways: ‚
- Keep your drugs together in one place.
- Keep your drugs with you when you travel. Put them in a carry-on bag that is always with you.
- Keep all of your drugs in their original bottles.
- Store your drugs as you would at home. Talk with your doctor about which drugs need special storage. If a drug needs to be kept cold, use cold packs. Consider how long it will take you to get where you are going to make sure the cold packs last. Ask if you can take cold packs on the plane with you.
- If syringes are used to give the drugs, get a doctors note about the need for the syringes. Check with your airline to see if you may carry syringes on the plane with you.
- Make sure you have enough drugs to last for the whole trip and a few extra days. This is helpful in case of travel delays or a change in plans.
- Ask your doctor for written prescriptions for your drugs, just in case you lose your drugs. Keep the prescriptions with you at all times.
- Be ready for emergencies.
- Take along a health history information sheet with you. The basic information should include a list of:
- Medical illnesses
- Doctor's contact information
- Drugs and doses
- Emergency contacts
- Wear a medical alert bracelet.
- Some countries require visitors to get shots against diseases to enter the country. Speak to your travel specialist to see what is required. Then check with your doctor to make sure the shots don't cause a problem with the drugs you are taking.
- If you have to make appointments for blood testing or treatments while away, do it ahead of time. Your doctor may be able to help you find where you can get the tests or treatments.
- Make a checklist of the things you need to bring to treat your illness. Consider drugs, equipment, dressing changes, and special things you may need in an emergency.
- Make a care kit of other items you may need for your condition. This may include special machines to help you breathe, equipment, special things that you may need in an emergency, or syringes to help you take your drugs. If something must be plugged in, check to see if you need an adaptor, especially if going out of the country.
- Have your contact information close at hand.
- Write down your phone numbers and email addresses for all of your doctors. Give a copy to whoever is going with you. Make sure they are aware of any allergies you may have.
- Learn what your health insurance plan will cover while you are traveling. Some insurance will not cover your care if you are out of the country or doing certain activities.
- Protect yourself from germs.
- If your condition requires protection from germs, wear a facemask when with crowds.
- Stay away from people who might have an illness, like colds or flu.
- Make sure you check travel warnings. Learn about any outbreaks of infection in the places you are going. You may need to delay your trip or make other plans.
- Take care when eating and drinking. Is it OK to brush your teeth with tap water? Do all fruits and vegetables need to be peeled and cooked?
- Find a place where you can get blood tests or treatments while on vacation.
- Schedule tests or treatments you need while traveling before you leave.
- Make an appointment with the treatment center. Call to set your appointment 6 to 8 weeks ahead of when you will arrive. Ask the staff at your usual treatment center to help you. You may need to have some of your records with you to get treatment at a new center.
- Check with your health insurance plan for a list of doctors or treatment centers that are covered by your plan. Ask your doctor for suggestions.
What will the results be?
Planning ahead may help your trip be less stressful and more fun. It may also help prevent problems while you travel. ‚
What changes to diet are needed?
Be sure to follow your normal diet when you are traveling. ‚
What problems could happen?
- Your illness could get worse
- You may need treatment
- You may lose your drugs
- You could get an infection
When do I need to call the doctor?
- Signs of infection. These include a fever of 100.4 ‚ °F (38 ‚ °C) or higher, chills, very bad sore throat, ear or sinus pain, cough, more sputum or change in color of sputum, pain with passing urine, mouth sores, wound that will not heal, or pain.
- You are not feeling better in 2 to 3 days or you are feeling worse
Where can I learn more?
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ‚
http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/yellowbook/2012/chapter-8-advising-travelers-with-specific-needs/travelers-with-chronic-illnesses.htm ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
Copyright
Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚