Leaflet11
Health Advice for Travellers

Whether you are travelling for pleasure or travelling on business, you'll make the most of your time abroad i f you take a little time to plan ahead. The checklist below will help you take care of your overseas health. A little time spent reading now might save days of misery later.

• Always consult your doctor as early as possible - preferably eight weeks before you travel - especially if you're going somewhere tropical. Vaccinations always take a while to become fully effective.

• The Department of Health booklet, Health Advice For Travellers (T6) is available from post offices and travel agents as well as from some doctors and public libraries. It contains useful advice and information. If you are travelling within the European Union, form E I I I at the back of the booklet explains how you can get medical treatment in EU countries. It will also be required should you need treatment.

• Keep records of any injections your doctor gives you before you go.
• It is sensible to take a medical kit, especially if you are going to a remote destination. A few basics like calamine lotion for sunburn, an antiseptic cream, insect repellent, painkillers and anti-diarrhoea tablets should guard against most mishaps.

• If you are already taking medication for an illness, be sure you have adequate supplies for the time you are away. Always carry medicines in your hand luggage on an aircraft.

• Tell your doctor if you might be pregnant.

On the aircraft
• Reduced air pressure in an aircraft can cause discomfort - especially if you wear tight clothes and shoes. Travel in loose clothes and try to walk around the aircraft when you can.

• The dry atmosphere - especially on a long flight - can cause dehydration. Drink little and often, but remember that alcohol itself causes dehydration and won't make you feel any better!
If you have recently suffered certain illnesses - like a peptic ulcer or, more seriously, a heart attack - air travel might not be a good idea at all. Ask your doctor first.

Some travellers use mild sleeping tablets on long flights. These do help you sleep, but might not be advisable for the elderly or those with respiratory problems.

While you're away

· Over-exposure to the sun can cause burning, dehydration and even skin cancer. So it pays to be sensible. Wear loose cotton clothes in the sun; wear a hat; and wear sun-blocks and screens with an appropriate protection factor. Fair skins (and red hair) are at greater risk of burning.

The commonest health problems overseas arise from accidents - in and around swimming pools and in traffic. Alcohol, as in any part of the world, can increase the risk of accidents.

One in two travellers gets "holiday tummy". Risks of a tummy upset can be reduced by drinking only bottled or sterilised water, avoiding ice in drinks, and checking the standards of hygiene in restaurants. Illnesses like cholera, typhoid and hepatitis A are caused by infection from contaminated food or water. So salads and seafood from polluted sea water might be risky.

Diarrhoea might lead to dehydration, so drink plenty of bottled water, with added salt tablets and sugar after long attacks.

Where there is a malaria risk, protective drugs must be taken and measures such as mosquito screens/nets, the wearing of long sleeves and trousers outdoors at night, repellents and mosquito coils/mats at night, will all help to prevent mosquito bites.

Vaccinations and Other Precautions

Hepatitis A, Typhoid, Cholera

Caused by infection from contaminated food and water.

'Flu-like symptoms, which can progress to more severe sickness (e.g. jaundice with hepatitis A, severe diarrhoea with typhoid and cholera).

Common in most of Africa, northern and southern Asia and Central America, though hepatitis A more widespread.

Vaccination against hepatitis A and typhoid now available.

AIDS/HI V, Hepatitis B
Serious viral infections spread by intimate person-to-person contact, such as unprotected sex, blood particles from sharing contaminated drug needles, transfusions with contaminated blood or using inadequately sterilised equipment.

Protection by practising safe sex (vaccine available against hepatitis B; not against HIV).

Malaria, Yellow Fever
• Caused by "bite" from mosquito carrying either parasite.

• Can cause serious fever, headaches and sickness.

• Widespread in most parts of Africa, Asia (not yellow fever), Central and South America.

• Protection from yellow fever by single injection (certificate necessary in some countries); from malaria by tablets. These must be started before you go and be continued during your stay and for one month after return.

Note : Currently EHMC is not able to obtain Vaccine for the protection against yellow fever.

Polio,

• Caused by direct contact with infected person/airborne particles.

• Risk areas Asia, Africa, South America.

• Immunisation against polio by mouth drops in three doses though most require only single booster dose; an injection against TB (if necessary) at least two months before travel.

Rabies

• Caused by bite from infected animal.

• Risk in most parts of world.

• Get advice immediately after a bite; injection may be necessary.

• Vaccination is available.

Tetanus

• Usually caught through open wound, especially when in contact with soil.

• Most widespread in regions where medical facilities are limited.

Vaccination is available, check booster status up to date before travel.

When you return

You should tell your doctor of any sickness that develops once you're back home.

• If you intend to travel again remember that protection through vaccination can be kept up to date, so keep a record of your vaccinations and contact the surgery when your boosters are due as this can be much more convenient than starting the course again!