Traveler’s Health

When traveling overseas, especially if you are going to a developing country, plan well in advance of your anticipated departure. There is a wide variety of travel destinations and ever-changing health care requirements for each of them. To better prevent illness when traveling we recommend you:

Step 1: Schedule a Travel Consult

Student Health offers travel consultations with either an SHCS primary care provider or the travel nurse, Beth Pirkle, RN. Ideally, you’ll want to schedule your travel appointment at least two months before your departure date.

The travel consultation includes a risk assessment of your planned destination and activities, and advice about staying well during travel as well as what to do if you get sick or injured while abroad. Your immunization record will be reviewed and any needed vaccinations will be administered. You will also be given prescriptions as needed for malaria chemoprophylaxis, traveler’s diarrhea self-treatment, altitude sickness prevention, and HIV PEP. Students who require HIV PEP kits may require a second appointment before departure, so plan accordingly.

Call the clinic at 415-476-1281 to schedule your travel consultation.

Topics include:

• Malaria
• Traveler’s diarrhea
• Women’s health
• Food and water precautions
• Time adjustment/Jet lag
• Insect bites
• Altitude sickness
• Diver’s precaution
• Sun protection
• Safety considerations
• Travel alerts
• International SOS

When scheduling a travel consultation, expect the appointment to last 30-50 minutes and make sure to bring in a record of your immunization history.

Step 2: Do Your Own Research

You’ll want to review all information related your travels – including your travel insurance and information about the country or countries of destination. See Travel Resources for more information.