Pre-visit doctor appointment

Review any significant "conditions" that might impact your travel. Are you current on suggested vaccinations?

Other than the random bouts of asthma/bronchitis type reactions I get (mostly when exposed to mold or significant amounts of dust) and the pinched nerve that flairs up on occasion, thankfully there are no significant medical concerns for either me or my son. I believe I would be up to date on any vaccinations as I don't generally turn any down (other than the flu shot most years).

Thanks for your reply!

Given your lung problems have you had pneumonia shot? Why the avoidance of the flu shot? Make sure the prescriptions are in the generic name but the US written prescriptions will not be accepted by the local pharmacies. But if you need it, it will help the doctor there understand what you need.

You should also have a dental check.

Can't get a pneumonia shot until you are 50 y/o (unless there are underlying health conditions). If you are prone to allergies be sure to take plenty of OTC meds you prefer with you. It is easy to get meds there, but you have to go through a pharmacist and they are unlikely to have the same meds we have here (especially true with allergy meds).

I've never had the pneumonia shot. My lung issues are still relatively new, started after a particularly horrid case of bronchitis a year or so ago. I don't normally get the flu shot just because I don't. I teach preschool and so I'm exposed to all kinds of germs all year round and generally don't get that sick. Usually extra vitamin c and extra handwashing is enough to keep me healthy (minus the occasional strep throat.

Would a US script be filled in another country?

Be sure you have had the hepatitis A vaccine. It's two shots, but you have time to have both, if not the first shot gives you some immunity. And carry medications you might need not prescriptions. Prescriptions will likely not be filled.

I would get the prescriptions filled here and take them with me. I was thinking the hep A shots would probably be something the dr recommends.

I've checked with my health insurance and surprisingly I have coverage overseas. Well, I have "you will be reimbursed" coverage, so better than nothing. I also had trip insurance added through the airlines (allianz?) mostly for delay coverage (being as we are travelling in the winter) but it does cover some medical things as well.

https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/traveler/none/luxembourg

https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/traveler/none/greece

https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/traveler/none/france

https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/traveler/none/germany

Note:
Immune-Compromised Travelers
Talk to your doctor about whether you should get a dose of immunoglobulin before your trip, in addition to hepatitis A vaccine.

"can't get a flu shot unless you are 50 (or have an underlying health issue)"... you don't mention your age, but you've got exactly the right underlying health issue (asthma/bouts of bronchitis) to be eligible for a pneumonia shot before you are 50. As someone who had pneumonia in their 30s while traveling and ended up in an ER, get the shot.

Regarding the inhaler, I'd suggest you get the prescription filled now, then wait 30 days and get it filled again so you have 2 inhalers to bring with you. You may not need either, but it's good to have a back-up just in case, especially since you are traveling during a period where you'll have cold temps. Colder weather can often trigger bouts of asthma so you could find yourself going through an inhaler quickly and needing to move on to the 2nd one since you will be gone for a full month.

As for the other advice on a flu shot "I suggest you wait until after your trip to obtain one. I don't feel well after receiving the flu shots...so far. I have rarely had them in my lifetime, twice". This is a classic example of why one should not seek medical advice from some stranger who posts on a travel board. It perpetuates the old wives tale that flu shots make you sick, not to mention the advice was given by someone who has only had 2 flu shots in their entire life - 41 years apart. You've got underlying respiratory issues already. Even if those breathing issues are mild at this time, having a really bad case of the flu can turn them into something else entirely. While a flu shot does not protect you from every single strain of flu that can possibly exist out there, it does help lessen your chances of getting those strains predicted to be the most prevalent this season. It takes a full 2 weeks for the flu shot to reach its full potency. If you got a shot this week you've got plenty of time before you actually leave.

Check with your doctor to see when was the last time you had a booster of your Tdap. Whooping cough has been making a comeback recently, so that's another one you want to avoid as someone who has respiratory problems.

I'm not one who abuses antibiotics but I like to take a regimen of Amoxicillin with me to Europe. I have only needed it once (when I didn't have it, of course) but it gives me peace of mind in case of a UTI.
Last spring I got a nasty cough in Matera. The local pharmacy gave me a 6 day treatment of something (It was in Italian) but I wished I had some trusty Robitussin DM with me.
Bring as much ibruprofen and/or naproxen with you as you think you might need. IB is very expensive in Europe, and I assume Nap is as well.
And do get that flu shot!
Happy trails!

I like the idea of a dental check. I popped off my crown one week before my last trip. Glad it didn't happen on the trip!

We travel w/ Z-pack of antibiotics (which were only used once in probably 15 or more international trips), and those were taken in a remote location (where local medicine was minimal at best) when a very bad infection developed. Please no medical advice needed from other posters on that.....discussed w/ our long-time doctor.

We typically travel with a small ziplock baggie of the typical over-the-counter meds for a variety of issues that could develop (sinus/Aleve/aspirin/Immodium/bandaids/antibiotic for an eye issue I've had in the past (in case it happens while traveling), etc., as well as a prescription for Traveler's intestinal problems (which luckily has not been needed). We have had all the typical immunizations required for a wide variety of overseas countries, some of which are just wise for the US, too. Take flu shot each year. Just read Australia is expecting a bad flu season. Planes are routed all over the world and you often don't know where your plane came from or you don't know who sat there immediately before you.

I'm a light packer, but that baggie of various things and the Z-pack is comforting just to have in a little corner of the rollaboard. Yes, meds can be obtained in most European countries, but there is something about having them in your bag at 11pm at night and not having to worry about looking for the big green + and communicating what your issue is.

And above all else, be sure to use hand sanitizer and wet whips regularly (plane/hotel phone/door knobs, etc. within reason without being a total germaphobe). Avoid rubbing face/eyes/nose with unclean hands.

If you like to use zinc lozenges to reduce the length and severity of colds, take plenty with you. They don't seem to be available in Europe. I don't think Pepto-Bismol is, either, so you might want to ask your doctor what he suggests for potential gastro upsets.

You'll have 2 months in between your Dr visit and your trip so discuss getting the flu shot. I got one for years (never a reaction) since I worked in a hospital but have not done them since I retired. However, this year I'm traveling in October and January so did get a flu shot last week (no reaction). All of the local pharmacies have the flu vax in now but the health care provider offices don't have them yet - and don't expect them until the end of Sept. You'll want it 2-3 weeks ahead to build up your immunity. BTW, for what it's worth the Pharmacist who did my injection said she had read they think they have a good match this year for the vaccine and the flu virus. Not sure how they can tell since I'm not sure influenza is here yet but that was nice to hear.

Also discuss with your Dr whether they want you to wear compression socks/stockings on the plane. If yes, ask for a recommendation on strength of compression - they will give you a set of numbers for the stockings.

Agree with the recommendation on asking about GI upset. Take both Pepto-Bis and Immodium with you if OK with your Dr.

What a nice trip! I was in Trier last year and really enjoyed it! There was so much I wanted to see there.

Agree with your idea about asking for antibiotic Rx and getting it filled as a backup in case of a recurrence of strep. We did that once when my husband had a dental incident just before a long trip -- never used it, but it felt good to know it was there if needed without having to look for pharmacy/doctor/dentist. And since you may well need it at home in the future...

Keeping in mind that I don't know your age or marital or relationship status, but you might consider an STD screening. I came down with secondary syphilis symptoms during my first trip to the UK and it put a serious damper on most of the trip. I was covered in red spots and was constantly exhausted. I was quite foolish not seek out the NHS, I made a dumb mistake of assuming it was just some allergic reaction.

I had a tetanus booster because it had been a very long time. Also had the Hepitis A shot which made me sick; I have to have the 6-month booster in a couple months and am not sure if I want to go through that again.

I'm prone to colitis so my doctor gave me antibiotic prescriptions which I filled here. So I'd suggest filling all prescriptions even the "maybe I won't need it" ones here. Better to have the drugs and not need them than to need them and find out your prescriptions can't be filled.

If you are prone to asthma outbreaks, ask your doctor about taking a 6 day steroid/prednisone pack with you (sometimes called a dose-pack or taper down pack) . Be sure you understand the instructions on how and when to take the pills. I have severe asthma and my doctor has me keep a supply of methyl prednisone on hand (stronger than the 'usual' prednisone pack) so I can start them at first signs of a prolonged attack. Unless your bronchitis was a bacterial form, antibiotics are usually not needed- most bronchitis is viral- or asthma induced. Taking them when you don't have a true bacterial infection can actually make you prone to more serious infections.

I have developed a medical info form that lists all my doctors, their phone #s, my pharmacy, my emergency contacts, etc. , along with all my medications (including both generic and non-generic names, doses, when taken, and the conditions taken for) and a brief summary of my medical conditions and history. It has come in handy a few times here at home when I've been ill. I carry it all the time- not just when traveling. If you'd like to see a blank sample, I'll be glad to email you a copy. Just private message me with your email.

Bring as much ibruprofen and/or naproxen with you as you think you might need. IB is very expensive in Europe, and I assume Nap is as well.

Ibuprofen is very inexpensive in Europe! A 16 pill supermarket own brand pack costs around 45 pence in the UK. Naproxen can only be obtained in the UK with a prescription.

an honest question, are the flu shots the same in the U.S. and Europe? I.e. do health care planners perceive that there are different strains of the flu that they are preparing for in different places? (I know that they have to make a decision on which strain(s) to protect against, right??)

an honest question, are the flu shots the same in the U.S. and Europe?

Kim, according to our Italian practitioner, where we got our shots before moving back to the U.S. last year, they are the same. My U.S. doctor was happy with the immunization obtained in Europe, too.

Along with food, rubber rafts, shop lights, toilets and wine (wide range of price points), the local Costco store offers influenza vaccines (quadrivalent) on a walk-up basis. For me, the choice of the vaccine versus the chance of becoming ill or more ill from influenza by forgoing the injection is easy...especially recalling dreadful bouts of influenza as a child.

Guidance regarding influenza vaccinations:
https://www.cdc.gov/flu/travelers/travelersfacts.htm

The risk for exposure to influenza during travel depends somewhat on
the time of year and destination.

In the Northern Hemisphere, the flu season can begin as early as
October and can last as late as April or May.

People should get vaccinated at least 2 weeks before travel because it
takes 2 weeks for vaccine immunity to develop after vaccination.

The influenza vaccine has 2 yearly formulations - one for each hemisphere. It was made available in the US mid-August and would be the same vaccine you would receive in Europe. It would be wise to obtain the shot several weeks before travel within a hemisphere. I'm not sure what's best for cross-hemisphere travel.

My wife's assistant/secretary boasted for years that she never had flu shot. She believed that flu shots made your sick and give you the flu. She claimed she never had the flu. Then one day three years ago she had sometime she thought was the flu, somehow developed into sepsis and was gone in three week. Flu is not the same as a head cold.

Wow! Thank you all for the replies :-D

To address some of the replies. I'm 34, so not near the 50 year mark. HOWEVER, with the bronchitis/asthma condition, I'll be sure to bring it up with my dr.

I'm not sure how easy the inhaler refill will be to get, but hopefully we can get it figured out. I originally got the inhaler via a walk-in clinic and never had to have a real follow-up about it with my doctor as it's so sporadic in necessity, it was never really a big issue. Only now is the inhaler low enough that I worry about approaching another cold/flu season without it. I will def. check into getting a second inhaler if possible though!

I have gotten the flu shot in the past (esp when I was pregnant and due in late November) and had no ill-effects. I'm still 7 or 8 weeks away from my departure date so I have plenty of time to get the shot (and recover, if necessary).

I'm going to go over all my shots with him at this appointment as I know that with the rise of unvaccinated children/people, there are a lot of various illnesses that are coming around again. Esp being in a completely new area of the world, I don't want to go unprepared!

Generally speaking, I don't abuse antibiotics and I usually can diagnose myself before arriving at the walk-in/urgent care clinic. I am very susceptible to strep, although not ever close enough together to warrent them taking my tonsils out as an adult. It is frequent enough that it has been discussed numerous times before. I worry also about UTIs esp since I will be on the go so much and I know that bathrooms can be less abundant than here in the states.

I never thought about cough medicine as I generally don't take OTC stuff. When I had my bronchitis, they gave me some pill cough medicine that worked wonders and since i only took it as needed, I still have some left.

I will def. stock up on IB and Naproxen! I have asked my brother (who moved to Luxembourg) to make a wish list of favorite American products and I believe that is also already on his list. I have immodium already on my list, but is there a prescription version that's better?

I tend to be a bit heavy on the wet wipes when on a plane but forget once i've landed. I'm going to make sure to keep some in my bag with me, esp with a little boy co-traveller!

I never thought about compression stockings, but that's a good reminder, thanks!

I'm looking forward to spending some time in that area (France, Lux, Germany) during that time of the year, esp. going to all of the Christmas markets and drinking my fair share of some Gluhwein! :-D

I appreciate the STD screening suggestion as it is def. not something I would have thought of. I've been married for 11 years this October and have no concerns about that, but that is def. something to think about!

I try to avoid steroids as much as possible (hence the reason my inhaler has lasted this long). I had a horrible ear issue about 6 years ago and my ENT put me on a course of steroids and it made me INCREDIBLY paranoid, to the point of severe anxiety attacks. That does remind me though that I should check with my ENT to get the history there to have on hand. With as much flying as we are doing, I should have that information on hand. Apparently I have a retraction pocket? Not really sure what that's all about.

Thanks again for all of the advice! I didn't think about making a copy of my medical history and getting it translated into the different languages, esp for weird stuff like my retraction pocket. :-P

It's quite possible that you can get the asthma inhaler easily at a pharmacy. I know that, in Spain, Ventolin is available over the counter (no prescription needed), at a VERY nominal price. I have a prescription, as does my dad, but when I am in Spain, I stock up on a few extra inhalers to bring home. When he buys an inhaler here, his copay is $24. I bought the same thing in Spain in May and paid $3.35.

OTC inhalers? Interesting! That would be awesome if I could grab an extra one to have as a back-up.

JC -- thanks for the info on IB in Great Britain. I'll stock up on my next visit!
When I needed some in Germany a few years ago I think I paid about 10 euros for a small blister pack of 10 or 12 tablets.

JC -- thanks for the info on IB in Great Britain. I'll stock up on my next visit!

If you want to stock up be prepared for a lot of shopping around as you are restricted in how much you can purchase at any one time, this is typically limited to two packs of paracetamol/ibuprofen etc (intended to make it difficult for anyone to buy enough for an overdose). Of course it doesn't prevent you from going from shop to shop to purchase two packs at a time.

I will also flog the dead horse (or at least the painfully constipated horse) and say that
Travel + pain pills/muscle relaxers = constipation.
Don't skimp on over the counter intestinal meds.