Altitude sickness
Personalised advice to help you reduce the risk of symptoms when travelling to high altitude.
- Understand your altitude risk before you travel
- Feel confident about acclimatisation and pacing plans
- Know what to pack and how to use it correctly
- Clear guidance tailored to your trip and health needs
Trip-specific guidance
Advice based on your destination altitude, route, and how quickly you plan to ascend.
Medicine and health check
A structured review of your current medicines, allergies, and health conditions to support safe planning.
Practical plan you can follow
Simple steps for acclimatisation, hydration, rest, and when to adjust your itinerary if needed.
The process
What this service involves
You will talk through your itinerary, planned ascent, and any previous issues at altitude. We will discuss practical steps to reduce risk, what symptoms to watch for, and how to respond if they start. You will leave with clear, trip-specific guidance and, where appropriate, advice on suitable options to take with you.
Altitude and itinerary review
We focus on maximum altitude, sleeping altitude, and how many days you have to acclimatise.
Pacing and acclimatisation
Simple planning tips to help you build in rest days and avoid climbing too fast.
This appointment
£25
About 15 minutes / Travel Health
- Altitude and itinerary review: We focus on maximum altitude, sleeping altitude, and how many days you have to acclimatise.
- Pacing and acclimatisation: Simple planning tips to help you build in rest days and avoid climbing too fast.
Included
What we provide
These are the key things we cover to help you prepare for high-altitude travel.
Pre-travel preparation
What to consider before you go, including gradual ascent options and realistic activity planning.
Current medicines review
A check of your regular medicines and health history to identify anything that may affect your trip.
Symptom and safety guidance
What mild symptoms can feel like, what to do early, and how to reduce the chance they worsen.
What to pack and why
Practical suggestions such as hydration strategies and useful items to take with you for the journey.
Clear next steps
Straightforward advice on what to do if your plans change, including rising altitude faster than expected.
Suitability
Who this service is for
Suitable for adults travelling to higher altitudes, especially if ascending quickly or if you have had symptoms before.
First-time high-altitude travellers
If you are unsure what to expect and want a simple plan to follow.
People with past altitude symptoms
If you have felt unwell at altitude before and want to prepare differently this time.
Trips with rapid ascent
If your itinerary involves flying in high, tight schedules, or limited rest days.
FAQs
Frequently asked questions
It is best to book 6 to 8 weeks before you travel so there is time to plan, prepare, and make any changes to your itinerary if needed.
Bring your destinations, travel dates, expected maximum altitude, and any route details such as flights, transfers, trekking days, or planned excursions.
Yes, please share your regular medicines, allergies, previous vaccines, any past reactions, and any health conditions so the advice can be tailored safely.
We will discuss your trip plans and health background, then recommend suitable precautions such as acclimatisation steps, pacing, and what to watch for.
Most appointments take around 15 minutes, depending on how complex your itinerary is and what you would like to cover.
Yes, you can ask anything you are unsure about, and you will leave with clear guidance to help you feel confident about your trip.
Related
Other services you can book
Appointments available this week
Book Altitude sickness at Safys Chemist
Book a pharmacist appointment at Melton Road for treatment, vaccines or travel health. Free where the NHS covers it, clear prices where it does not, and most patients are seen within a few days.
Next available slots
Monday to Saturday, morning and afternoon