Overview
Travel medicine covers both medical preparation for trips abroad and the treatment of travel-related complaints. Depending on your destination, length of stay and planned activities, it addresses vaccination protection, malaria prophylaxis and guidance for emergencies while travelling. Ideally, advice should be sought several weeks before departure so that vaccinations and prophylaxis can take effect in time. If symptoms have already appeared after returning, targeted evaluation is the priority.
Common causes
Many travel illnesses arise from contaminated water or unfamiliar food, as with classic traveller's diarrhoea. In tropical and subtropical regions, mosquitoes transmit infections such as malaria or dengue. Rapid ascent to high altitudes can trigger altitude sickness, and long flights across time zones cause jet lag. Missing or incomplete vaccination protection and chronic pre-existing conditions add further risk. Climate, hygiene conditions and the type of accommodation also play a role.
When to see a doctor
Fever after a trip to the tropics is always a warning sign and should be evaluated promptly, as it may indicate malaria. You should also seek medical advice for bloody or persistent diarrhoea, severe dehydration, high fever or increasing shortness of breath at altitude. In the case of clouded consciousness, seizures, severe breathlessness or other threatening symptoms, call the emergency number 112 immediately. When in doubt, it is better to have things checked one time too early.