Counseling, Medical Care and Immunizations – Before and After Foreign Travel

The Travel and Tropical Medicine Clinic is designed to help travelers deal with all their health needs in preparation for a safe and pleasant trip. The Clinic also addresses and treats unexpected illnesses that arise while traveling out of the country, using a multidisciplinary approach involving collaboration with dermatologistsliver specialistsgastroenterologists and our colleagues in an on-site parasitology laboratory. We are also part of the GeoSentinel network, which is a worldwide communication and data collection network for the surveillance of travel related morbidity.

At best, getting sick in a foreign country can ruin a vacation or business trip. At worst, it can leave the traveler in need of medical care in an unfamiliar environment. The best defense against illness in a foreign setting is preparation before you leave home: appropriate treatment for any preexisting medical conditions, proper immunizations, preventive medications and knowledge of medical and safety risks at your specific destination(s). In addition, help ease your mind while in a foreign country by being familiar with locations to access quality health care where English is spoken.

Our physicians have practiced in tropical countries and have unique expertise in diagnosing and treating emerging diseases including dengue fever, malaria, leishmaniasis and other insect-borne diseases. If you believe you may have acquired a disease while overseas, please call us at 781-744-3874 so we can schedule a consultation with one of our specially trained Travel Clinic physicians.

DISEASES OF CLINICAL INTEREST

Diseases of particular clinical interest to health care professionals in the Travel and Tropical Medicine Clinic include:

  • Dengue Fever
  • Filariasis
  • Leishmaniasis
  • Leprosy (Hansen’s disease)
  • Leptospirosis
  • Malaria
  • Melioidosis
  • Parasitic Diarrhea
  • Severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS)
  • Tropical skin diseases
  • Tuberculosis
  • Viral hepatitis

More detailed information on services available through the Travel and Tropical Medicine Clinic

Trekking, mountaineering and diving trips to developing countries, in particular, require pre-planning and counseling about potential health and safety risks and ways to avoid them. Activities such as biking and trekking can often expose travelers to problems such as rabies and high altitude sickness, both of which can be prevented by vaccines and medications available through the Travel and Tropical Medicine Clinic. As an added advantage, adventure travelers have access to an on-call Travel Clinic physician, 24 hours a day, seven days per week.

Caring for the Corporate Traveler

The Travel and Tropical Medicine Clinic is prepared to meet the unique needs of the corporate traveler, who may often have to travel at short notice. Travelers requiring preparation for frequent, short trips receive comprehensive treatment. In addition, group appointments at the corporate site are available for consultation and some immunizations.

Out of town or overseas telephone consultations from occupational health physicians can be made available. In addition, corporate travelers have access to an on-call Travel Clinic physician, 24 hours a day, seven days per week. For less emergent health issues that arise while overseas, travelers can also e-mail our Travel Clinic physicians.

To make an appointment for an urgent visit (within 72 hours), please call the Travel and Tropical Medicine Clinic at (781) 744-3874.