Following which international trips should you have a check-up?

Despite the fact that you do not generally need a medical check-up or a review after a short trip, there are certain circumstances when you should go to a medical centre specialising in traveller health.

One situation after which a check-up is recommended is after a person enters or bathes in a body of fresh water (river or lake) in an African country, “even if you have only put your feet in," says Dr Natalia Rodríguez. Water in these countries usually contains a parasite called schistosoma. "This parasite penetrates healthy skin without you being aware of it, and can manifest itself months later," explains the doctor.

Other situations requiring a traveller to have a check-up are: after getting a tattoo or after receiving treatment for a health problem, e.g., a saline solution. "In these cases, we recommend going to the health centre, even if you are asymptomatic," emphasises Dr Rodríguez.

After prolonged stays in tropical areas or at certain destinations, a check-up is also required, even if the person has no symptoms. It’s also required if the traveller has certain chronic diseases. "During an initial consultation, there are some very specific cases for which we normally recommend the traveller has a check-up on their return," explains Dr Rodríguez. However, for short tourist trips, a visit to the health centre is not required, unless any of the above situations are applicable.

"If symptoms appear, you should go to a specialised health centre," says the doctor; adding, "If you have a fever, you should especially go to the health centre immediately, as this is a symptom that cannot be ignored."