Subscribe
  • News
    • Local
    • Regional
    • Business
    • Real Estate
    • Outlaw Partners
  • Arts & Entertainment
  • Opinion
  • Sports
  • Yellowstone
  • Events
Menu
  • News
    • Local
    • Regional
    • Business
    • Real Estate
    • Outlaw Partners
  • Arts & Entertainment
  • Opinion
  • Sports
  • Yellowstone
  • Events

Ask Dr. Dunn: Travel abroad

in News
Outlaw Partnersby Outlaw Partners
April 18, 2013

By Maren Dunn, D.O. Explorebigsky.com Health Writer

If I’m traveling out of the country, do I need to see my doctor first?
-Allison, Big Sky

When planning a trip to another country, it can be helpful to visit your health care provider at least a month before your departure.The information you receive could mean the difference between a healthy, relaxing vacation and one interrupted by illness.

Article Inline Ad Article Inline Ad Article Inline Ad

At a pre-travel visit you can expect to discuss your current medical conditions and medications, itinerary and activities planned. It’s also important to share travel specifics such as exposure to high altitude, rural areas or plans for scuba diving. Bring your vaccination record if you have it.

The medical provider’s job is to offer advice regarding routine vaccinations, indicated immunizations for a specific location, other prevalent illnesses and required preventative medicine.

Some vaccines require multiple doses to complete a series, like those for hepatitis A and B, so it’s important to get started on them.

Malaria medication is also commonly initiated 1-2 weeks prior to leaving for an endemic area and continued for a number of weeks after returning. The same is true for the oral typhoid vaccine: it takes a week to complete and another week to be fully effective.

Depending on your destination, your doctor may make other recommendations. For example, a traveler headed to an area where malaria is prevalent will receive suggestions for proper mosquito repellant and other methods for preventing exposure such as bed netting. If planning to hike to extreme elevations, discussions will focus on preventing and treating altitude sickness.

If you’re an experienced traveler, you may have a collection of items you always bring. Over-the-counter items might include Benadryl for allergic reactions or difficulty sleeping, Immodium for diarrhea, and Ibuprofen or Tylenol for pain or fever; depending on your medical history, a medical provider can help make a complete list that’s appropriate for you.

Find Dr. Dunn’s writing regularly in the Health section of the Big Sky Weekly.

Maren Dunn, D.O., is owner of Gallatin Family Medicine, a medical clinic in the Big Sky Meadow Village. Gallatin Family Medical offers reduced cost and free mammogram screening. Have a question? Email Dr. Dunn at inquiries@gallatinfamilymedicine.com.
gallatinfamilymedicine.com

Outlaw Realty Outlaw Realty
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT

Listen

Hoary Marmot Podcast

Joe Borden & Michele Veale Borden

Lastest Episode
See More Episodes
outlaw realty montana outlaw realty montana
ADVERTISEMENT
Outlaw Realty Big Sky Bozeman
ADVERTISEMENT

Upcoming Events

Jul 5
9:00 pm - 11:00 pm Event Series

Take A Chance

Jul 6
11:00 am - 5:00 pm Event Series

June Show at the Big Sky Artists’ Studio & Gallery

Jul 7
8:00 am - 5:00 pm Event Series

Brian Stumpf

Jul 7
9:00 am - 12:00 pm Event Series

Community Hike Big Sky

Jul 7
11:00 am - 5:00 pm Event Series

June Show at the Big Sky Artists’ Studio & Gallery

View Calendar
Event Calendar

Related Posts

Gallatin Whitewater Fest celebrates community, competition and crowns river royalty
Local

Gallatin Whitewater Fest celebrates community, competition and crowns river royalty

July 1, 2025
Uncle Dan’s Cookies moves forward with new owner, same sweet legacy
Business

Uncle Dan’s Cookies moves forward with new owner, same sweet legacy

June 30, 2025
To the Tune of Hope
Featured

To the Tune of Hope

June 27, 2025
Big Sky Community Food Bank looks ahead to summer opportunities, reflects on pandemic challenges
Local

Big Sky Community Food Bank looks ahead to summer opportunities, reflects on pandemic challenges

June 26, 2025

An Outlaw Partners Publication

Facebook-f Instagram X-twitter Youtube

Explore Big Sky

  • About/Contact
  • Advertise
  • Publications
  • Subscriptions
  • Podcast
  • Submissions

Outlaw Brands

  • Mountain Outlaw
  • Plan Yellowstone
  • Big Sky PBR
  • Wildlands Music
  • Outlaw Partners
  • Outlaw Realty
  • Hey Bear

Copyright © 2025 Explore Big Sky | Terms of Use | Privacy Policy | Your Privacy Choices

No Result
View All Result
  • News
    • Regional
    • Business
    • Outlaw Partners
  • Yellowstone
  • Arts & Entertainment
  • Sports
  • Opinion
  • Real Estate
  • Events

©2024 Outlaw Partners, LLC. All Rights Reserved.

Explore Big Sky Logo
  • News
    • Local
    • Regional
    • Business
    • Real Estate
    • Outlaw Partners
  • Arts & Entertainment
  • Opinion
  • Sports
  • Yellowstone
  • Events
Subscribe
Facebook X-twitter Instagram Youtube