Travel Health & Medical Information

If you are travelling abroad make sure you are well prepared and have a safe trip, a summary of things to do before you go are...

Check with the Department of Health to see what vaccinations you need and what the current health issues are worldwide. We advise that you do this at least 8 weeks before you go.

Consult your doctor well in advance (preferably at least two months) of your departure, to check to see if you need to take extra health precautions

If you want to take any sort of medicine with you find out if there are any restrictions on taking them in and out of your home country or the country you are visiting. Ask the relevant Embassy or High Commission

Always carry medicines in a correctly labelled container in your hand luggage. Take a prescription and/or letter from your doctor giving details of the drug prescribed.

Have a dental checkup if you have any doubts about your teeth, or you plan to be away a long time, see your dentist. It may be difficult and expensive to obtain dental treatment at your destination.

Keep a written record on your person of any medical condition affecting you, such as angina pectoris, diabetes and haemophilia, and the proper names – not just the trade names – of any medication you are taking.

Avoid insect and animal bites, some diseases are prevalent in temperate climate it is therefore advisable to use insect-repellent preparations.

Take care on the roads as traffic accidents are the major cause of death among travellers. Always check on local traffic regulations. If you are in a car, always wear seat belts. If on a motor or pedal bike, always wear a helmet. If you hire a car or a bike, check its condition and the insurance cover. And never drink and drive.

If you are going to take part in potentially hazardous sports such as skiing, canoeing or mountaineering, follow all the relevant safety guidance; make sure that there are adequate emergency medical facilities on hand; and check that you have medical insurance which covers you fully in the event of any accident. Divers should allow 24 hours between their last dive and a flight.

A First Aid Kit including a packet of adhesive dressings, some insect repellent, antiseptic cream and water-sterilisation tablets could be useful.

Prolonged immobility on long journeys, whether by plane, train or car, can lead to 'deep vein thrombosis' (a blood clot in the leg). Move your feet around, or get up and walk around regularly if you can. And avoid dehydration by taking regular non-alcoholic drinks.

Take care in water and don't go swimming alone. Fatal accidents can happen very easily and in the most unexpected conditions. Adults should watch each other for signs of trouble when in the water. If you are going to dive into water, make sure that it is deep enough for you o do so safely.

Take care in the sun, many people travel in search of the sun. The sun should be enjoyed, but overexposure can cause sunburn, leading to premature skin ageing and an increased risk of skin cancer.

HIV/AIDS has now spread across the world. There is no vaccine or cure for AIDS. People can be infected in a number of ways including unprotected sex, through the use of infected syringes, tattooing equipment, medical or dental instruments and transfusions of HIV infected blood

Further travel health information including advice on specific countries, travel insurance, passports and visas, medical information, laws and customs, advice for women travellers and information on what to do if something does go wrong can be found at www.fco.gov.uk

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