Our
fascination with the misadventures of travel dates back to the dawn of recorded
history. Homer's epic tale of the 10-year wanderings of Odysseus returning home
to Ithaca after the fall of Troy remains the classic account of journey-related
hazards.
The study of travel-related disease has been called "emporiatrics". The
physician's goal should be to minimize the risk of common diseases that may
inconvenience travelers and uncommon diseases that may cause serious illness.
Recommendations for immunizations and medications will vary according to the
destination country. Children and travelers with special medical conditions --
pregnancy, emphysema, heart disease, diabetes -- require expert advice to
protect them during travel.
The scale on which travel takes place today could hardly have been imagined
even five years ago. Destinations that in the past were limited to soldiers,
missionaries and explorers, are becoming commonplace choices for the ordinary
traveler. As the world becomes more integrated and businesses become more
"globalized," there will be increased international travel. Travel to tropical
and developing countries is expected to undergo unprecedented growth over the
next five years.
Amas Medical Services offer all travel related expertise. We
offer a wide range of services including acute medical emergency, routine
primary care and all travel related services. Our doctors are trained in all
travel related medical matters and can address and entertain all your queries
and questions. We also offer following services:
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current information on international disease outbreaks
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Immunization recommendations for local or International travel
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General health advice for travelers
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Diseases specific treatment and prevention guidelines
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Knowledge of specific geographical locations and their medical problems
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Information about health conditions and disease outbreaks in India and other
countries
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Requirements of other countries for vaccinations and health reports
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Availability of medications and other healthcare treatments for diseases and
disorders in India and around the world
In
general, persons planning to visit developing countries should consult a
physician before departure. A list of Travel Clinics is available from the
International Society for Travel Medicine (www.istm.org/)
or the American Society for Tropical Medicine and Hygiene
(www.astmh.org/). Most travelers should contact their physician at
least six weeks prior to travel. Adventure travelers, those who plan prolonged
stays, and those who will leave the usual tourist routes should contact their
physician six months prior to travel. Advice may also be obtained from the
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (www.cdc.gov/travel/)
or the World Health Organization (www.who.int/ith).
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