Travelling Overseas? - Some helpful health tips

If you are planning on travelling overseas in the near future, whether it is business or pleasure, there are a few health issues you need to think about before you leave your country. For smart, safe travelling, plan early. You don't want to be racing around at the last minute wondering what vaccinations you may need or how to avoid getting sick, and whether your health insurance covers you for overseas travel.

So here are some quick easy guidelines

Immunisations are available for many diseases and only given to those going to specific countries where applicable. Some of the vaccinations include; Hepatitis A, B, Influenza, Typhoid fever, Diphtheria, Japanese encephalitis, Cholera, Yellow fever, Tetanus, Tuberculosis, Rabies, Meningococcal meningitis, Polio, Measles, mumps & Rubella. It is extremely likely that you would require all of these.

You must speak to your travel Health Service or local Doctor at least 6 weeks before you start your travels so you are able to find out what vaccinations you need for your destination/s, as they may need to be done weeks beforehand to have adequate immunity coverage.

Ensure you see your Doctor about any pre-existing illness/es you may have, and whether you need to take medication with you and whether that medication requires a letter that you need to keep on you whilst you travel. If you are on medication ensure you have enough supplies for the trip.

If you have room pack a basic medical kit (ensure you do not put any medications in this without checking whether you need a letter from your GP to carry that medication).

Check if you need to alter your medical cover (if you already have it). Or inquire about the pros and cons for paying for overseas travel and health insurance if you are considering taking it out. It is a very smart thing to have. If you become sick overseas you don't know what the financial costs will be or standard of care.

Remember pack condoms! Even if you are not planning on having sex, you never know what can happen. Sexually transmitted diseases and AIDS do not disappear once you leave the country.

Once you get there

Depending on where you are going there are always going to be a different set of guidelines.
So here are some basic safety tips whist travelling:
Purify or boil water if you are unsure about it's cleanliness
Try to avoid undercooked seafood and meats, along with raw salads and vegetables.
Try to make sure the cooked food is piping hot.
Use insect repellent in dengue and malaria known areas, and try to sleep under mosquito nets.
Of course this one is obvious - but try not to be bitten by mammals, especially in rabid areas.
Avoid swimming in lakes or rivers where the bilharzia infection occurs.
Have Safe Sex!

If you are aware of these things and research what dangers you may encounter, you will reduce your risk of running into any trouble. Of course you cannot be guaranteed that all will run smoothly, but if you are prepared for relevant health issues for the countries you are visiting, you can lessen your chances of anything going wrong with your health. Remember thousands are travelling as you read this article and they are having a safe and fantastic time. Enjoy your travels, whether it is for business or pleasure!

- Louise Ganey