Anna Medhealth on the road: a guide to feeling well while you travel

An independent guide to staying well while traveling. It does not replace a consultation with a doctor, does not diagnose or prescribe treatment, and is not affiliated with the previous website on this domain. In a life-threatening emergency, call 112 (or your local emergency number).

Questions

Questions for a specialist

You can't ask questions through this site: the guide doesn't give consultations or see patients. What you can do is prepare for a conversation with your doctor. We've put together questions that help you talk through your trip calmly and not forget anything.

The more precisely you describe your trip — route, transportation, climate and plans once you're there — the better your doctor can tell you what you specifically need.

— Editor's note

How this section works: there is no form for submitting questions here. We offer a list of things worth asking your primary care doctor, pediatrician or specialist before a trip. The notes below explain why each question matters and what information to bring; the answer itself comes from your doctor.

Before your trip

Do I need any vaccinations for this route?

Name the countries, the season and where you'll be staying: in a city, out in nature or on the move. Bring your vaccination records with you.

What should go in my travel first-aid kit?

Tell your doctor about your health conditions, allergies and anything you take regularly. They can suggest what to include and explain when to use what.

Is there any reason to postpone my trip?

This question matters most after a recent illness, surgery or injury. Describe how you're feeling now and how long the journey will take.

What should I watch out for in the climate I'm heading to?

Heat, freezing cold and mountains each put different demands on the body. Ask which signs should concern you and when you need urgent help.

Chronic conditions and travel

How should I take my medicines when I change time zones?

Say how many time zones you'll cross and in which direction. Only your doctor should set your medicine schedule for the trip; don't change it on your own.

What medical paperwork should I bring?

Ask whether you need a medical summary or a note listing your prescriptions, including for airport security. It's handy to keep copies both on paper and on your phone.

What should I do if I get worse while traveling?

Ask your doctor to describe the signs that mean you should seek help right away, and discuss who to turn to at your destination.

Is a long flight or a trip to the mountains right for me?

This is especially important with heart, blood vessel and lung conditions. Describe your route in detail, including connections and the altitude you plan to reach.

Children and older adults on the road

How can I make the journey easier for my child?

Tell the pediatrician your child's age, about their health and whether they get motion sick. Ask how to handle sleep and meals on the way.

Does a children's first-aid kit need anything special?

The pediatrician puts together a children's kit based on your child's age. Ask in which situations you shouldn't wait but should see a doctor at your destination right away.

How do I plan a trip for an older relative?

Discuss the pace of the trip, the heat or cold at the destination and how to manage their regular medicines on the road with the doctor who looks after them.

When does an older person need urgent help while traveling?

Ask the doctor to list the warning signs. In older age, overheating and dehydration develop faster, and symptoms can be less noticeable.

  • Prevention

    How to prepare for a long flight: what to do ahead of time, how to look after yourself in the cabin and how to recover after landing.

  • Methods

    Simple non-medication habits for the road: moving, water, sleep and light, dressing for the weather, clean hands and care with food.

  • Topics

    Motion sickness, time-zone changes, heat, cold, altitude and long flights, grouped by topic. Plus our article catalogue.

  • Glossary

    Travel health terms in plain English, from motion sickness and jet lag to travel medical insurance and vaccination.

Sources

  • WHO — travel health advice
  • Russian Ministry of Health — general health guidance

This guide summarizes general information about staying well while traveling as of the date it was prepared. Advice for travelers is updated from time to time, and what is right for you personally is something to decide together with your doctor.