Question 1

How can I protect myself from gastrointestinal infections while traveling?

Accepted Answer

The golden rule is 'Cook it, peel it or leave it' — only eat thoroughly cooked food, peel fruit yourself, and avoid raw vegetables and salads in countries with unreliable water supply. Drink only water from sealed bottles and avoid ice cubes in drinks, as they are often made from tap water. Wash your hands regularly with soap or use hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol content. Pack electrolyte powder and loperamide in your travel pharmacy — in case of diarrhea, fluid replacement is more important than medications for the symptoms.

Question 2

What should I consider when traveling with chronic illnesses?

Accepted Answer

Consult your doctor at least six weeks before your trip and obtain an English-language certificate regarding your condition and medication. Bring twice the amount of your regular medications, distributed between carry-on and checked luggage, so that nothing is lost in case of baggage loss. Research the medical facilities at your destination and note the addresses of hospitals and pharmacies near your accommodation. Carry a medical emergency card with diagnosis, medication list, and emergency contacts in the local language.

Question 3

How can I prevent thrombosis on long-haul flights?

Accepted Answer

Get up at least every two hours and walk a few steps down the aisle — even simple foot exercises while sitting (toe raises, circular movements) activate the calf muscle pump. Wear compression stockings of class 1 or 2, which have been shown to reduce the risk of thrombosis by 60–70%. Drink at least 250 ml of water per flight hour and avoid alcohol and caffeine, which dehydrate the body. At-risk patients (smokers, overweight, birth control pill, previous thrombosis) should consult their doctor before long-haul flights and may need a heparin injection.

Question 4

Which travel destinations are particularly suitable for allergy sufferers?

Accepted Answer

The Canary Islands and Madeira offer a low-pollen marine climate year-round and are ideal for hay fever sufferers. High-altitude regions above 1,500 meters (Swiss Alps, South Tyrol, Norwegian fjords) are low in dust mites and reduced in pollen. Coastal areas with constant sea breezes, such as the northern German and Danish North Sea coasts, filter pollen from the air. Research the pollen season of your destination in advance — the pollen-free period varies significantly depending on the region and flora.

Question 5

How do I deal with motion sickness (kinetosis)?

Accepted Answer

Sit facing forward in the front of the vehicle, ship, or bus, where movements are least felt. Fix your gaze on the horizon or a fixed point in the distance — reading or staring at screens significantly worsens nausea. Ginger in the form of capsules, tea, or candies has been shown to combat nausea and has few side effects. Medications like dimenhydrinate (Vomex) or scopolamine patches are reliable but can cause drowsiness — take them 30–60 minutes before departure.

Question 6

What to do about insect bites and how can I protect myself?

Accepted Answer

DEET-containing repellents (30–50% concentration) provide the most reliable protection and work for 6–8 hours against mosquitoes, ticks, and sandflies. Icaridin (20%) is a skin-friendly alternative with similar effectiveness and is particularly suitable for children over two years old. Wear long, light-colored clothing from dusk and use treated mosquito nets over the bed — the treatment with permethrin lasts up to 30 washes. For bites, an electronic bite healer (Bite Away) helps by destroying the itch protein with local heat — it works in seconds and without chemicals.

Question 7

How do I prepare for high altitudes?

Accepted Answer

Acclimatize slowly: Above 2,500 meters, you should ascend a maximum of 300–500 meters per day and take a rest day every three days. Symptoms of altitude sickness (headaches, nausea, sleep disturbances) typically occur 6–12 hours after ascent and improve with proper acclimatization within one to two days. Drink at least three to four liters of water daily and eat a carbohydrate-rich diet, as the body requires more energy and fluids at high altitudes. Diamox (acetazolamide) can be taken prophylactically and speeds up acclimatization — discuss taking it with a travel medicine specialist in advance.

Question 8

When do I need a tropical medicine consultation?

Accepted Answer

A tropical medicine consultation is advisable for travel to sub-Saharan Africa, Southeast Asia, India, Central and South America, as well as rural areas with limited medical care. Schedule the appointment at least six to eight weeks before departure, as some vaccinations require multiple doses spaced weeks apart (hepatitis B, rabies, Japanese encephalitis). Tropical institutes and travel medicine consultation centers can be found in all major German cities — the costs of 20–50 euros per consultation are often reimbursed by many health insurance companies. In addition to vaccinations, they also advise on malaria prophylaxis, diarrhea prevention, and travel-specific health risks.

Question 9

How do I find a good doctor abroad?

Accepted Answer

The website of the German embassy in the host country lists recommended doctors and hospitals with foreign language skills. Your travel health insurance usually offers a 24-hour hotline that connects you to verified doctors on-site and assists with communication. In major cities and tourist areas, there are often international clinics with English-speaking staff and Western standards. Google Maps shows medical practices and hospitals with reviews nearby — filter for 'hospital' or 'doctor' and check the ratings from other international patients.

Question 10

What should be included in an extended travel pharmacy for long trips?

Accepted Answer

In addition to the basics (pain relievers, anti-diarrheal medications, band-aids), the following should be included for long trips: broad-spectrum antibiotic (prescribed by a doctor), malaria standby medication (Eurartesim or Malarone), sterile single-use syringes and needles, eye drops, and tweezers for tick and splinter removal. Sunscreen with SPF 50+, insect repellent with DEET, electrolyte powder, and a digital thermometer are essential. Pack all medications in their original containers with leaflets and carry a certificate from your doctor in English confirming the necessity of prescription medications. Keep the travel pharmacy in your carry-on luggage so you can act immediately in case of baggage loss.

Travel and Health — Specialized Knowledge