Common Suggestions in Spanish for Patients Before and After Traveling

Traveling can be an exciting experience, but it’s important to prepare for potential health risks and take precautions. Here are some common tips and advice you can share with patients to help ensure a safe and healthy trip.

Before Traveling

1. Get Recommended Vaccines
   • Suggest patients visit their healthcare provider or a travel clinic to determine which vaccines they might need.
   • Example: “Asegúrese de recibir las vacunas recomendadas, como la de la fiebre amarilla o la hepatitis A, según el destino.”
     (Make sure to get the recommended vaccines, such as yellow fever or hepatitis A, depending on the destination.)
2. Pack a Travel Health Kit
   • Encourage patients to include essentials like medications, a first-aid kit, hand sanitizer, and insect repellent.
   • Example: “Lleve un botiquín de primeros auxilios y cualquier medicamento recetado que necesite.”
     (Bring a first-aid kit and any prescribed medications you need.)
3. Check Health Insurance Coverage
   • Remind them to verify if their health insurance covers them internationally or if they need to purchase travel insurance.
   • Example: “Revise si su seguro médico cubre gastos en el extranjero.”
     (Check if your health insurance covers expenses abroad.)
4. Stay Informed About Food and Water Safety
   • Advise patients to avoid drinking tap water or eating uncooked foods in areas where hygiene may be an issue.
   • Example: “Evite beber agua del grifo y consuma alimentos bien cocidos para prevenir enfermedades.”
     (Avoid drinking tap water and eat well-cooked foods to prevent illness.)

During Travel

1. Stay Hydrated and Avoid Dehydration
   • Recommend drinking bottled or purified water, especially in hot climates.
   • Example: “Beba agua embotellada para mantenerse hidratado.”
     (Drink bottled water to stay hydrated.)
2. Protect Against Mosquitoes and Insects
   • Suggest wearing long sleeves, using insect repellent, and sleeping under mosquito nets when needed.
   • Example: “Use repelente de insectos y ropa que cubra la piel para evitar picaduras.”
     (Use insect repellent and wear skin-covering clothing to avoid bites.)
3. Practice Safe Food Habits
   • Encourage avoiding street food if the hygiene is questionable.
   • Example: “Evite comer alimentos de vendedores ambulantes si no está seguro de su limpieza.”
     (Avoid eating food from street vendors if you’re unsure about its cleanliness.)

After Returning

1. Monitor for Symptoms
   • Remind patients to look for unusual symptoms such as fever, diarrhea, or rashes.
   • Example: “Si experimenta fiebre, diarrea o sarpullidos, consulte a su médico inmediatamente.”
     (If you experience fever, diarrhea, or rashes, see your doctor immediately.)
2. Schedule a Post-Travel Check-Up
   • Encourage follow-up appointments, especially for long trips or travel to high-risk areas.
   • Example: “Programe una revisión médica después de su viaje si visitó un área de alto riesgo.”
     (Schedule a medical check-up after your trip if you visited a high-risk area.)
3. Rest and Recover
   • Suggest allowing time to rest and adjust after a long journey.
   • Example: “Permítase tiempo para descansar y adaptarse después de su viaje.”
     (Allow yourself time to rest and adjust after your trip.)

Preparing for travel and staying healthy during the trip can make the experience more enjoyable. As a healthcare provider, your suggestions can empower patients to take charge of their health while exploring the world.

What other travel health tips do you find helpful? Share them in the comments!