Travel medicine is a specialized area of healthcare that focuses on the needs of the travelers, particularly those who travel to other countries.

Generally, physicians and others who specialize in travel medicine are experts in infectious diseases. Their expertise often includes knowledge of specific geographical locations and information about health conditions and disease outbreaks in different countries.

Travel medicine specialists advise on vaccinations, health reports, availability of medications, and other healthcare treatments for diseases and disorders.

For people planning to travel out of the United States, particularly to the developing countries of Africa, Asia, and Latin America, it is extremely important to talk with a travel medicine specialist as far in advance of your trip as possible. Although the United States government provides the latest information for the health and safety of American travelers, it cannot replace having a personal relationship with a physician who is knowledgeable about the needs of people who travel abroad.

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO) as well as other public agencies have setup guidelines and health information for the international traveler. Travelers should seek advice 4 to 6 weeks before they depart for their travel so that it allows adequate time for immunization. Through immunization, a physician injects a harmless version of the disease into your body. By doing so, your body develops an internal immunity to the live diseases organism. This immunization process may take a few weeks, so it is important to allow your body time to adjust before you travel. In other words, don't expect the immunization to be effective if you are immunized the day before your trip. Also, you will need extra time to obtain prescriptions.

In summary, if you are planning a trip to another country, you should allow six weeks for the necessary medical preparation.

Source:  The International Society of Travel Medicine