Do you have a gastrointestinal disorder and are you going on a trip? On this page you will find information to consider before and during your trip.
TRAVELING WITH GASTROINTESTINAL DISEASE
Would you like to travel but you have a stomach or intestinal condition? Having a stomach or intestinal disorder sometimes puts you at greater risk of contracting certain infections. This is because your stomach or intestinal wall is less able to protect you from them. For this reason, it is important to prepare properly before you travel.
Gastrointestinal disorders may include:
- An inflammatory bowel disease (e.g., ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease);
- Gastric surgery;
- The use of antacids;
- A bowel removal.
GASTROINTESTINAL DISORDERS AND VACCINATIONS
With some inflammatory bowel diseases, you take medication that suppresses the immune system: immunosuppressants. When you take these medications, you cannot get certain vaccines. This applies to live attenuated vaccines. Some other vaccines offer less protection because the immune system works less due to the medication. Therefore, always discuss your travel plans with your doctor and visit a vaccination centre on time.
If you are taking antacids, it is recommended for certain travel destinations to get a typhoid vaccination if you are staying there for two weeks or more. An antacid disrupts the first line of defence that bacteria encounter when they enter the body, thus increasing the risk of infection.
GASTROINTESTINAL DISORDERS AND MALARIA
If you are taking immunosuppressants for your stomach or intestinal disorder, different advice applies. This is because you then have an increased risk of malaria complications.
Are you not taking immunosuppressants? In that case the usual advice applies.
GASTROINTESTINAL DISORDERS AND TRAVELER’S DIARRHEA
People with stomach or intestinal disorders are at higher risk for traveller’s diarrhoea. Travelers’ diarrhoea can also cause flare-ups in cases of inflammatory bowel disease.
You can reduce the risk of traveller’s diarrhoea by paying close attention to what you eat and drink. For more information, visit our page on traveller’s diarrhoea.
GASTROINTESTINAL DISORDERS AND ANTIBIOTICS
It may be wise to take an antibiotic for traveller’s diarrhoea just to be safe. Consult with your doctor, travel nurse or travel doctor.
TAILORED ADVICE FOR GASTROINTESTINAL DISORDERS
Are you planning to go on a trip? Make sure you are well prepared. Vaccinatiecentrum.nl can help you with personalized advice. Book an appointment in time, preferably at least six weeks in advance.
Do you have questions or would you like to book an appointment?
If you have any questions or would like to book an appointment for personal (travel) advice, you can use the button below, email via info@vaccinatiecentrum.nl or call 085-9020303.