How to prepare for a video visit about Traveler’s Health Pre-Trip Counseling

Audience: pediatric

Planning a trip with children means thinking about their health and safety before you go. A video visit for Traveler’s Health Pre-Trip Counseling helps families learn how to protect kids from illnesses and injuries during travel. During the visit, a healthcare provider will discuss vaccines, medicines, and ways to avoid common travel health risks like infections, insect bites, or food-related illnesses. This visit is a chance to ask questions about your child's health needs related to the places you will visit. Preparing for the video visit by gathering important health information and travel details helps make the conversation more useful. Remember, this guidance is educational and does not replace in-person medical care when needed.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• If your child develops a high fever (above 39°C or 102°F) before travel, seek in-person medical care promptly.
• If your child has severe allergic reactions or breathing difficulties during or after the visit, call emergency services immediately.
• If your child shows signs of dehydration (dry mouth, no tears, very little urine), get urgent medical attention.

What telemedicine can do

• Discussing travel plans and destinations.
• Reviewing vaccination history and recommending vaccines.
• Providing general advice on preventing travel-related illnesses and injuries.
• Answering questions about medicines to bring and safety tips.

What telemedicine cannot do

• Diagnosing or treating acute illnesses or injuries.
• Administering vaccines or physical examinations.
• Managing complex or emergency medical conditions.
• Providing prescriptions for controlled substances without prior in-person evaluation.

What is Traveler’s Health Pre-Trip Counseling?

Traveler’s Health Pre-Trip Counseling is a meeting with a healthcare provider before your trip. It focuses on how to keep your child healthy while traveling. The provider will talk about vaccines your child might need, medicines to bring, and ways to avoid common travel illnesses and injuries.

What to Expect During the Video Visit

During the video visit, the provider will ask about your child's health history, current medicines, and any allergies. You will discuss your travel plans, including destinations, length of stay, and activities. The provider will give advice tailored to your child's needs and answer your questions.

Important Information to Have Ready

Before the visit, gather your child's vaccination records, a list of current medicines, and details about your travel plans. This includes where you will go, how long you will stay, and the type of accommodations. Having this information ready helps the provider give the best advice.

Tips for a Successful Video Visit

Choose a quiet, well-lit place with a good internet connection. Make sure your device’s camera and microphone work. Have a pen and paper ready to take notes. Be prepared to discuss your child's health openly and ask any questions you have about travel safety.

After the Video Visit

Follow the provider’s advice about vaccines, medicines, and safety measures. Schedule any recommended vaccinations or tests early enough before your trip. Keep a copy of the visit notes and emergency contact information handy during travel.

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• Gather your child's vaccination records and health history.
• Prepare a list of current medicines and allergies.
• Have details of your travel itinerary ready (destinations, dates, activities).
• Ensure your device has a working camera, microphone, and stable internet connection.
• Find a quiet, well-lit place for the video visit.
• Prepare any questions you want to ask the healthcare provider.

After your tele-visit

• Schedule any recommended vaccinations or tests well before travel.
• Follow the provider’s advice on medicines and preventive measures.
• Keep a copy of the visit summary and emergency contacts accessible during travel.
• Monitor your child's health closely before and during the trip.
• Seek in-person care if your child develops serious symptoms or emergencies.

FAQs

Why is pre-trip counseling important for children?

Children may have different health risks than adults when traveling. Pre-trip counseling helps protect them by ensuring they get necessary vaccines and advice to avoid illnesses and injuries.

How far in advance should I schedule the video visit?

It is best to schedule the visit at least 4 to 6 weeks before your trip. This allows time for vaccines to take effect and for any additional tests or treatments.

Can the provider prescribe medicines during the video visit?

The provider can often recommend or prescribe certain medicines for travel health. However, some prescriptions may require an in-person visit depending on local regulations and the medicine type.

What if my child has special health needs?

Be sure to share any chronic health conditions or special needs during the visit. The provider can give tailored advice to keep your child safe during travel.

What should I do if my child feels sick during the trip?

If your child becomes ill during travel, seek local medical care promptly. Keep emergency contact information and health records with you to share with healthcare providers.

Sources

1. Travel Health — Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
2. Traveler’s Health: Pre-Travel Consultation — MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine.
3. Travel and Your Child’s Health — American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP).
4. Travel Medicine — Mayo Clinic.

This telemedicine guidance is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for in-person medical care. If your child has urgent or serious health concerns, please seek immediate medical attention from a healthcare professional.