Going Overseas Soon?

• Tickets √
• Itinerary √
• Accommodation Booked √
• Passport and Visas √
• Foreign Currency √
• Travel Medicine ???

Coming down with a tummy bug or a dose of the 'flu can certainly dampen your holiday. Not knowing where to go and what to buy to treat the illness just adds to the stress of the moment.

The Australian government's Smart Traveller website, http://www.smartraveller.gov.au offers the following advice:

Medication

"If you are travelling with medication, needles or syringes make sure it is legal in the countries you are visiting by contacting the relevant foreign mission in Australia. Contact details are available at http://www.dfat.gov.au/embassies.html

If you need to travel with large quantities of medication, it is good practice to separate the quantity amongst your luggage, in case bags go missing. Keep all medications in the original, labelled container to avoid customs problems.

Make sure you carry a copy of a letter from your doctor explaining what the medicine is and stating it is for personal use only."

Before you go overseas, make an appointment with your GP to discuss:

• Health conditions in the countries you will be visiting
• How to protect your health and well-being whilst travelling
• Whether any vaccinations are required (especially a tetanus booster)
• Your current medications

Keperra Family Practice & Skin Cancer Clinic can provide patients with accurate travel advice and travel letters stating what medications are prescribed for you and provide you with printed information outlining any specific risks for the areas you are visiting.

We can suggest items you should obtain for your own Travel Medical Kit. The practice is accredited to provide and administer Yellow Fever vaccinations.

It is recommended you see your doctor at least eight weeks before your departure date.