Health Information for Travel:
What Women Need to Know

We don't really look for health information for travel abroad until we actually need it. For some of us, that may be never. For others, it may be before we start.

International travel health isn't something we can overlook, whatever our health status or age, especially if we're traveling solo or in less than hospitable places.

For a solo trek in the Amazon once, my doctor gave me some 'killer' painkillers in case I broke an ankle or something equally serious. They wouldn't heal me in any way but would kill the pain enough to get me somewhere I could call for help.

That's an extreme case and of course the worst I suffered on that trip were nasty mosquito bites but still, being prepared is always preferable, especially if your support system is limited - to you.

Mosquito bites can range from harmless to deadly
Photo: James Jordan via Flickr

Health information before you travel

A number of countries have their own health requirements and won't let you in unless you comply.

Usually these involve international travel vaccinations, such as cholera or yellow fever. In some cases, countries require disclosure, such as of HIV status, for example.

If you're taking any medication, such as for high blood pressure or menopause, check with your doctor before you travel. You may have to take medication with you, as well as your doctor's prescriptions. Most large cities have pharmacies where you can usually fill a prescription, but that won't be the case if you're in a rural or wild part of the word.

And lets not forget avoiding jet lag. Some travelers don't suffer much, but for others, half a dozen time zones can mean a week or more of discomfort - yet much can be done to both prevent and cure it. You may also want to know how to treat motion sickness.

Do you suffer from any travel phobias - fear of flying, heights, spiders or other crawling beasts? It might be wise to deal with these before you go.

Perhaps the most important travel and health precaution you should take before you go is to get fit! These travel fitness tips can help you get ready for your trip, and keep you fit on the road. And when tall women travel, a few additional preparations might be in order.

A good first aid kit is essential
Photo: Jason and Kris Carter via Flickr

Health information for travel itself

While most travel is painless and illness-free, it's still wise to equip yourself with the right medical gear: this first aid kit checklist will help you gather what you need.

In areas of high heat and dryness, you'll need to protect yourself from heat exhaustion, sunstroke and dehydration. Protection from the cold is essential if you head to the extreme North or South or any region that experiences cold weather. In humid regions, protection against dampness will be essential. For travel to high places, altitude sickness is a very real danger.

Water is known to carry disease and proper precautions will be needed when it comes to eating, drinking and bathing. Diarrhea can strike when least expected so be aware of the dangers.

In some parts of the world, the dangers of insect or reptile bites are very real. Remember, avoiding malaria is a priority: left untreated, it can be deadly, as can dengue, but both can usually be prevented with the proper precautions.

If you have any thought of being sexually active during your trip, you'll have to guard against sexually transmitted infections and contend with contraception, so take a look at these birth control travel tips.

As women we have a range of health issues we need to consider - from menstruation to menopause, and cystitis is common among women backpackers, as are such infections as thrush or candida. These travel personal hygiene tips for women may help.

A word of warning before you set off: please confirm all the information on these pages yourself by undertaking your own research and getting advice from your own doctor or health adviser. The information presented here is based on my own personal knowledge and research, but I am not a medical or health practitioner of any kind so any information I provide is my personal opinion or observation, nothing more. You'll need the most up-to-date travel health warnings - laws change, diseases mutate, cures are found. Make sure you get the latest health advice for travel so you're properly prepared.

And then - armed with your first aid kit and medical supplies - just go, and enjoy your trip!