Vaccination is important in order to help protect against some diseases which you may be more at risk of catching in certain countries. These diseases can be serious and in some cases deadly.
Vaccines
Book your consultation with your GP surgery or travel clinic as soon as possible – ideally, you should book your appointment to discuss possible vaccination requirements at least four to six weeks before you travel, however, some vaccinations may require longer, e.g., if you require vaccination against hepatitis B, you may need to seek advice and vaccination at least six months before travelling. Your GP or Practice Nurse will be able to tell you which vaccinations are recommended for the destination that you are travelling to.
Food and water
Whilst travelling, follow strict food and water precautions and pay careful attention to hygiene:
- Always wash your hands after going to the lavatory and before handling or eating food
- If you have any doubts about the water available for drinking, washing food or cleaning teeth; boil it, sterilise it with disinfectant tablets or use bottled water in sealed containers. Also avoid using ice cubes or eating ice including ice cream from street vendors or unreliable sources
- Eat freshly prepared food which is thoroughly cooked and still piping hot
- Avoid food which has been kept warm and not adequately reheated
- Avoid uncooked food, unless you can peel or shell it yourself
- Avoid food likely to have been exposed to flies
- Avoid – or boil – unpasteurised milk.
Sun protection
- Every year, thousands of people damage their skin with sunburn. Everyone should take precautionary methods to protect themselves from the long-term effects including premature skin ageing and skin cancer. Protection is even more important for children and those with fair skin:
- Use sun-block or sunscreen with a UVB sun protection factor 15 (SPF15) or above and a high UVA star rating at all times. Remember to reapply after swimming or washing
- Avoid overheating and dehydration – drink plenty of non-alcoholic fluids and make sure children are drinking frequently
- If possible, avoid going into the direct sun between 11am and 3pm when it is at its hottest and there are harmful UV rays. Ensure children wear hats to prevent heat stroke
- Where possible, protect your skin with clothing and wear a hat.
Prevention of insect bites
Mosquitoes and other biting insects are not only a nuisance, they can also spread some serious diseases including malaria, yellow fever (in certain regions of the world), Japanese encephalitis and
Dengue fever:
- Covering the skin with loose clothing offers the best protection – wear long sleeves and long skirts or trousers instead of shorts
- Use a reliable insect repellent (DEET-based repellents are proven to be effective). Insecticides are available for clothing as well as for skin
- Use plug-in insecticide vaporisers or, if there is no electricity, burn insecticide coils to help control insects
- Keep air conditioning on to deter mosquitoes
- If staying in accommodation without air conditioning, sleep under a mosquito net impregnated with repellent if possible. Smaller nets are available for cots
- If you do get bitten and develop an allergic reaction (redness and swelling), antihistamine tablets may help.
Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)
You may be taking a long journey and therefore be at risk of DVT. This is a serious condition where blood clots develop in the deep veins of the legs. Follow these instructions to help protect yourself from DVT:
- Ensure you are comfortable in your seat
- Bend and straighten your legs, feet and toes while seated every half-hour or so during the flight
- Press the balls of your feet down hard against the floor or foot-rest, this will help increase the blood flow in your legs and reduce clotting
- Take occasional short walks when in-flight advice suggests this is safe
- Drink plenty of water
- Be sensible about alcohol, which in excess can lead to dehydration and decreased mobility.
