University Hospitals Travel Medicine FAQs
- How soon before I travel should I make an appointment?
-
We recommend you make an appointment with University Hospitals Roe Green Center for Travel Medicine & Global Health when you have the majority of your trip details in place. All vaccinations should ideally be administered 4 – 6 weeks prior to travel. Some vaccinations are given in a series, and it may take time to build up your immunity.
- What should I bring to my appointment?
-
To get the most out of your time with our travel medicine experts, it is helpful to bring the following to your appointment:
- Trip itinerary
- Immunization history
- A list of known allergies and medications
- Come prepared with a list of questions. Self-educate by reviewing the on-line travel resources found in the question below.
- Are there online travel resources I can refer to?
-
As you begin to plan your trip, be sure to review the traveler services that are available online. These services include:
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (www.cdc.gov/travel), which offers up-to-date travel notices on global travel, vaccines, medicine, and trip advice.
- Trip Advisor (www.tripadvisor.com), where you can read reviews, compare prices, and book your perfect trip.
- U.S. Embassy (www.USEmbassy.gov), includes a list of U.S. embassies, visa requirements, consulates, and diplomatic missions in your destination country or abroad.
- The International Association for Medical Assistance to Travelers (www.iamat.org). Membership is required, but there is no cost to join.
- Medic Alert Foundation International (www.medicalert.org) is the best source of Medic Alert identification bracelets and necklaces for travelers with chronic medical conditions.
- If I get ill while traveling, what should I do?
-
While consultations with specialists at University Hospitals Roe Green Center for Travel Medicine & Global Health are generally not needed during a trip, our specialists are available if necessary. If travelers have any questions or concerns at any point during short or longer-term trips, they can call our office during business hours (9 a.m. – 5 p.m. U.S. Eastern time) at 216-844-1709. All phone inquiries will be returned by an infectious disease expert within two business days.
Additionally, we offer a 24/7 triage advice line through our relationship with AirMed International. Please refer to our pricing sheet for more information on how to obtain this service.
Should your health concerns require immediate assistance, please go to the nearest emergency room.
- What should I do if I return home from a trip and don’t feel well?
-
Most travelers return well from overseas trips, but a few will have persistent diarrhea, fever, or in some other way feel unwell. The diagnosis and treatment of potential exotic and severe illnesses requires some expertise. Our specialists in infectious disease are available to treat ill travelers in the University Hospitals Roe Green Center for Travel Medicine & Global Health for diagnosis and potential treatment. All post-travel medical services can be processed through your medical insurance plan. Call 216-844-8500 to make an appointment.