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Natalya Goldshteyn, MD, along with Steven Colby, MD, provides the Travel Medicine Service.

It's summer, and for many people this means an antsy, excited feeling known as the travel bug. But world tourists do need to protect themselves against actual viruses and infections that may be prevalent overseas. To aid in the journey, New York Methodist Hospital has instituted an outpatient Travel Medicine Service with expert physicians who can provide advice and preventative treatment for those planning a trip to a foreign country. These physicians have the most up-to-date information about immunizations and vaccines, and can offer country-specific advice for disease prevention. NYM's Travel Medicine Service can provide immunizations against diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio, yellow fever, typhoid, rabies, hepatitis A and B, and pneumonia, among others.

Even if the destination country does not have any specific health risks, it's still advisable to include a visit to a physician for pre-travel preparations, including refill prescriptions. "Often a physician can spot potential health issues that a patient might not consider, such as high altitude travel or precautions on extended airline flights," said Natalya Goldshteyn, MD, who with Steven Colby, MD, provides the Travel Medicine Service.

Ideally, an appointment with a doctor at the Travel Medicine Service should be scheduled four to six weeks before the trip. Some vaccines must be given in a series over the course of days or even weeks, and most take time to become effective in the body. But even if time is short because of last-minute travel preparations, there are still benefits to be had from shots and travel advice before take-off.

For more information or to schedule an appointment with a travel medicine specialist at New York Methodist, please call 718-246-8600.