Pretravel Consultation: find out how to prepare for a safe trip

One of the principal purposes of the consultation is vaccination. Before travelling, it is essential to guarantee that all vaccines are up to date:

• In the case of children and youths up to the age of 18, as well as adults, it is important to check that the National Vaccination Programme (PNV-Programa Nacional de Vacinação) vaccines are up to date;
• Depending on the destination and type of journey, specific vaccines may be required against diseases that, although rare or non-existent in Portugal, are prevalent in certain regions.

Bear in mind that recommendations may change based on the epidemiological situation of various diseases in the world. 

Another important purpose of the pretravel consultation is to advise travellers on medication they should travel with – including drugs that help prevent diseases or treat minor health problems that can arise during the trip.

In addition to vaccines, the consultation also addresses the importance of food and water hygiene, measures to avoid mosquito bites, and other. Travellers are advised of precautions that should be taken to avoid serious health problems.

The pretravel consultation also provides information on the medical assistance available at the destination, the risk of accidents and safety measures. Knowing what to expect in terms of healthcare, such as finding hospitals or local clinics, is essential for a trouble-free trip. This way, you will know what to do in an emergency.

The right preparation is even more important for vulnerable groups, such as pregnant women, children, the elderly and people with chronic diseases like diabetes. Certain medical conditions require specific care to ensure a healthy and safe journey.

The first step is to schedule a pretravel consultation to prepare properly. Also check what vaccinations are necessary for your destination. In addition, take the right repellent to protect yourself from mosquitos and other insects. Find out about the climate, eating habits and local customs, and always pay attention to safety, both on the road and at events or in water-based activities. Don’t forget to take protection from the sun and cold, and avoid drinking water or eating food that may be contaminated. If travelling to regions where rabies is present, stay away from domestic, wild or captive animals.

This consultation is not mandatory, but it is highly recommended. It can help prevent diseases and guarantee a safer trip, especially to destinations that present health risks.

Yes, it’s especially important for pregnant women to consult a physician before travelling. The physician can offer guidelines on safe vaccines and specific care for pregnant travellers.

There is no specific minimum age. This consultation is recommended for travellers of all ages. Children in particular should be assessed, as they may need specific vaccines before travelling.

Depending on your destination, the physician performing the pretravel consultation can recommend specific vaccines, such as:
• Yellow fever; 
• Typhoid fever;
• Hepatitis A;
• Meningococcal meningitis;
• Japanese encephalitis;
• Cholera;
• Dengue fever.

Inform the physician about your situation so that they can recommend alternatives, such as preventive medication or additional protective measures, depending on the destination and vaccine in question.

The ideal is not to climb directly to high altitudes, but if this is unavoidable, stop off for two or three nights at around 2550-3000 metres to reduce the risk of symptoms, such as headache, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, insomnia and fatigue. People who have a medical condition, such as heart or lung disease, or anaemia, should be even more cautious and seek medical advice before travelling.

There are situations in which air travel is inadvisable for health reasons:

• Newborns less than 7 days old (or older if they are premature) should not travel by plane;
• Low-risk pregnant women in the last 4 weeks of pregnancy and less than 7 days after giving birth should avoid air travel. In some cases, air travel during pregnancy may be contraindicated;
• People suffering from angina pectoris at rest, or who have recently had an acute myocardial infarction or stroke, should not travel by plane;
• Individuals with infectious diseases in the contagious phase, such as tuberculosis or measles, are prevented from flying;
• Patients with chronic respiratory diseases and shortness of breath at rest should not fly;
• People with uncontrolled hypertension (systolic pressure over 200 mm Hg) should also avoid air travel.

To prevent traveller’s diarrhoea, it is important to take some basic precautions with food and hydration:

• Always drink bottled water, prefer food that has been thoroughly washed, and wash hands frequently;
• Prefer restaurant meals and avoid street food or drinks;
• Avoid salads with raw vegetables and fruit, as well as dressings left on tables;
• If possible, peal your own fruit and drink only bottled carbonated drinks or drinks prepared with boiled water; 
• Make sure ice was made with previously boiled water.