|  Loudoun
Travel Medicine Clinic - Travel Vaccine and Travel Immunizations in Loudoun convenient
to Ashburn, Leesburg, Lansdowne, Broadlands, Potomac Station and Potomac Falls.
Choose a family physician that is board certified in Internal Medicine and in
Pediatrics located conveniently to most locations in Loudoun County, Virginia.
*Travel
Vaccination and Travel Immunization is very important as many potentially
dangerous infections are entirely preventable. As a full service clinic we carry
all routine vaccinations. Vaccines/Immunization specific for travel include:
Yellow
Fever Vaccine
Please
call prior to your appointment, as far in advance of your departure as possible.
Coordination with vaccine suppliers is occasionally necessary.
*CDC
Travel Website (http://www.cdc.gov/travel) -Check the CDC website
Travel
Recommendations and Considerations
*Malaria
Prophylaxis- Depending on the destination, prophylaxis against malaria is
often recommended. Depending on your distination, a antimalarial medication
will be prescribed. It if very important that the medication is begun at least
one week prior to your departure. Additionally, it is necessary to continue the
medication for a few weeks after your trip is over. A DEET containing mosquito
repellant is essential. DEET stays on clothing even after it is washed. Therefore
spraying DEET on your clothes, a hat and if needed mosquito netting isan important
part of the strategy to repel an infection.
*Diarrhea-
Prevention is the key. Avoid fresh fruits and vegetables as there is a risk that
it is washed in local water. Drink bottled water from reputable sources. Even
if it is bottled, it is no guarantee that the water is clean. Do not over look
the water with which you brush your teeth. Either use safe bottled water or use
an electric kettle ( with appropriate converter) to provide a constant source
of clean water.
Constipation is a common consequence of this advice, so a bottle of milk of magnesia
or fiber tablets is suggested.
*High Altitudes-
Depending on the elevation, high altitude sickness can occur. Avoid ascending
too quickly. Most experts suggested acclimating as a step by step process along
the planned ascent. In certain situations medication can be prescribed to help
your body acclimate. Keep in mind high altitudes are not a good place to practice
a weekend warrior approach to exertion. If your planned excursion would be difficult
at your natural altitude, it should not be attempted at your high altitude vacation.
*Sea Sickness- Patients who have experienced this
illness can be prescribed preventative medication. For mild cases over the counter
dramamine or antihistamine will work. For more severe cases prescription medications
are available. As the medications can have side effects, they are only recommneded
for patients who have had modere to severe cases in prior trips. They are not
recommended in patient who has no previous history of becoming sick at sea. To
prevent sea sickenss, try to chose your destination. Some cruises are minimally
exposed to rough waves, others allow you to experience the entire Atlantic ocean.
Also pick the boat. A cabin in the middle of the boat on a lower deck of a large
boat, is less prone to motion illness. Staying on the front side of the highest
deck of a small boat may be a recipe for a tough voyage.
*Pediatric Considerations-
It is a good idea to take the medications that work well for your child. Something
for fever (Tylenol or Motrin), something for a stuffy nose that works well for
your child, and pedialyte are all things that may not be available at your destination.
For those sensitive stomachs or children with food allergies, make sure to take
powder formula that your child tolerates well in multiple suitcases. Sunblock
is recommended for just about all children after infancy.
Copyright Tareq Abedin, MD 2007
Travel
Medicine/ Health convenient to Ashburn, Leesburg, Lansdowne, Sterling, Broadlands,
Potomac Station and Potomac Falls. Pediatric, Internal Medicine, and Family Medicine
services in one convenient location in Loudoun County. Our
Doctors are Board Certified Internists and Pediatricians. This
information is brought to you as a community service by:
No representations
or warranties are made with respect to any medical information or advice printed
or linked from this web site.
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more important disclaimers.
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