3+ months before your trip:
- Schedule a visit with your doctor or travel health specialist
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- www.istm.org provides a Global Travel Clinic Locator to help you find a Travel Clinic specializing in international travel
- Research the areas that you are traveling to and understand the risk of contracting malaria
- Although there are no vaccines for malaria, tell your doctor or travel health specialist about all the areas you will be visiting when scheduling an appointment so that any necessary immunizations can be scheduled
- Tell your doctor or travel health specialist if you plan to be in areas where you may not have access to medical care. Consult the US Department of State Web site for specific guidance and tips
1 to 2 months before your trip:
- Visit your doctor or travel health specialist to receive necessary immunizations and prescriptions for your trip
- Check with your medical insurance company for out-of-town coverage needs
- Research and buy items that can prevent mosquito bites (eg, insecticide, mosquito netting, insect repellent, hat, long-sleeved shirt, long pants)
- Consider renting a cell phone for international use or purchasing a prepaid phone card
2 weeks before your trip:
- Order or refill enough of your usual medications to get you through your trip
- If your doctor has prescribed travel-related medications, have prescriptions filled in the United States before you travel
1 week before your trip:
- Make 2 photocopies of important travel and medical documents (keep a copy with you when you travel and leave 1 copy at home)
- Write a list of all the medications you will be taking on your trip, as well as their dosages. Bring the list with you when you travel
- Pack medications according to federal requirements (the Transportation Security Administration Web site can help you with this)
When you return from your trip:
- Make an appointment with your doctor or travel health specialist for a complete examination
- Seek immediate medical care if you have any illness or symptoms of malaria, as described earlier
