Travel Medicine

During a typical Husky Health pre-travel consultation, the following issues related to type of travel and destination are discussed.

Altitude Illness
We will provide a comprehensive discussion of prevention of acute mountain sickness (AMS). This includes a prescription for preventative medications, such as acetazolamide (diamox). We also discuss prevention and treatment of high altitude pulmonary edema (HAPE) and high altitude cerebral edema (HACE).

Blood clot prevention
We engage in a detailed discussion of methods to prevent blood clots due to travel.

Diarrhea
We provide advice about prevention and treatment of traveler’s diarrhea. You’ll receive a prescription for antibiotics for self treatment of diarrhea if needed.

Immunizations
We will conduct a comprehensive review of immunizations needed for travel. This includes travel-specific vaccines (yellow fever, typhoid) and general vaccine updates (tetanus, influenza).

Insect precautions
We will discuss appropriate skin, clothing and mosquito net protection.

Jet Lag (sleep disturbance)
You’ll learn about prevention of jet lag, as well as prescription self-treatment at your destination.

Malaria prophylaxis
We’ll give you detailed information about appropriate medications for prevention of malaria. This is based on current information about resistance to malaria worldwide and current incidence data.

Medical kit
We’ll review appropriate medical supplies for international travel.

Motion sickness
We discuss medications for prevention and treatment of motion sickness.

Water purification
We’ll talk about safe water sources, as well as methods for water purification.

Schedule 4-6 weeks before you travel
Because several weeks may be required to complete a needed vaccine series, we recommend you come in for the initial appointment at least 4-6 weeks before your departure date. You should call for an appointment two weeks before that, if possible. If this is not possible, we will meet your travel health needs as completely as the time we have allows.

Pre-appointment checklist

If this is your first visit to Husky Health Center, please read about insurance and billing.
If your medical insurance plan covers travel medicine (which only a few do) please bring your insurance card to the appointment check-in. If you do not have coverage, you will be asked to pay at the time of the appointment with a check, credit, or debit card.
Please remember to bring your record of past immunizations, this is very important as it helps us recommend immunizations for your travel.
Fill out our Travel Planning Questionnaire and bring it with you to your appointment.
At the time of your appointment, check in at the first floor for every visit.

Countdown to your trip: 9-12 weeks prior to departure

Update passport and foreign visa applications
Check into health insurance coverage requirements for overseas medical care
Purchase medical evacuation insurance 6-8 weeks prior to departure
Schedule a travel consultation
Receive routine and travel-related immunizations, travel prescriptions, update medical records
Receive prescriptions (travel and routine) from pharmacy 1-2 weeks prior to departure
Organize travel documents and emergency contact list
Finalize travel health kit and prescription medications for travel

Travel Health

CDC Travelers’ Health – Up-to-date and detailed information for the international traveler
U.S. Customs and Border Protection – Contains alerts, frequently asked questions, and more.
UW staff and students

UW Study Abroad Insurance – UW students engaged in educational activities abroad – including study, research, internships or community engagement – are required to purchase UW Student Abroad Insurance.
UW International Travel Registry
UW International Emergency Assistance – Help for UW staff and students

Important phone numbers for UW students, faculty and staff

Cultural Insurance Services International (UW Study Abroad Insurance) – 001-800-303-8120
UW Global Emergency Line – 001-206-632-0153
UW Global Health Resource Center – 001-206-685-7362
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) – 001-800-232-3646
Infectious diseases

WHO: Disease Outbreak News – Epidemic and Pandemic Alert and Response (EPR)
International Society of Travel Medicine (ISTM) – Promoting healthy travel worldwide

Husky Health Center offers the following vaccines by appointment only. Diagnosis codes are provided so that you can determine whether your health insurance provides coverage.

NOTE: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) provides the most up-to-date information on vaccines. The Immunization Action Coalition is also a reliable resource.

Husky Health Center offers the following vaccines by appointment only. Diagnosis codes are provided so that you can determine whether your health insurance provides coverage.

NOTE: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) provides the most up-to-date information on vaccines. The Immunization Action Coalition is also a reliable resource.