Travel Information On The Web

Introduction

Travel Health is in constant change. The UHS no longer produces information leaflets due to the rapidity of this change and because many of the best references are found on the web. The most useful sites are:

Country Specific

Nepal

Altitude Health

Altitude Health “Mountain Sickness” is well known but poorly understood

Vaccinations

There is a range of vaccinations that need to be matched with the individual's past vaccination history and travel itinerary. As soon as you are aware of your travel itinerary it is essential to make an appointment to see the doctor to discuss your immunisation program requirements, as some immunisation programs may take a number of weeks to complete.

Planning vaccinations is assisted by completing the “Yellow Sheet” (PDF) or (Word)
Destination information is also available

Mosquitoes

Mosquitoes are a prominent vector of human diseases including:

Malaria, Dengue Fever, Yellow Fever, and Japanese Encephalitis
General advice on preventing mosquito bites

Traveller's Diarrhoea

Deep Venous Thrombosis

The World Health Organisation is undertaking extensive research to evaluate the real risks of the so-called “economy class syndrome”.

Current advice can be found on pages 4-6 (PDF)

Low Awareness Diseases

Travellers seem to have low awareness of the existence and prevention of some diseases.

In Africa and parts of Asia fresh water exposure from swimming may be associated with Schistosomiasis, Onchocerciasis, Filiariasis and Trypanasomiasis

First Aid/Travel Kit

The purpose of a Travel Kit is twofold: to allow the traveller to take care of minor health problems as they occur and to treat exacerbations of pre-existing medical conditions.

Children

Children may have specific needs that need to be considered:

Breastfeeding whilst travelling:

CDC Travelers' Health - Yellow Book: Chapter 8: International Travel with Infants and Young Children - Breastfeeding and Travel

Travel Medications

Your Doctor will discuss with you any medications recommended for your travel arrangements.

Female Traveller

Females can face unique health problems whilst travelling abroad. Also for various reasons women may sometimes be placed at greater risk in unfamiliar environments or cultures.

Vaccine Side Effects

Vaccines are safe and efficient ways to prevent the spread of many communicable diseases. Most people who receive vaccines experience no, or only mild, reactions such as fever, swelling or pain at the injection site. Very rarely, people may experience more serious side effects.