Media releases
Good health is the key to a happy holiday
14 December 2007
With the holiday season almost upon us, The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners is urging people to take the necessary time to prepare for any travel – both overseas and closer to home.
“When writing up your holiday check list, make sure a visit to your general practitioner is a top priority. You should see your doctor at least six weeks before taking off to discuss any health concerns where you are travelling, any inoculations – and follow up shots - you should have before you leave and any medications you should take with you, including what to put in a first aid kit,” said Dr Vasantha Preetham, RACGP President.
“General practitioners are the first port of call to provide you with the advice you need for your particular circumstances, and provide you with up-to-date travel health advice. Above all you need to make sure you’re healthy before you travel.
“If you’re travelling to parts of the world where there is a potential risk of infection, particularly Africa, Asia or South America you need to discuss what vaccinations you will need and other preparations you should be making.
“And travel in Australia can be just as hazardous so talk to your general practitioner about the regions you’re planning to visit and what dangers may arise.
“The most common travel related illnesses are gastrointestinal diseases usually picked up from poorly prepared foods or untreated water and can lead to diarrhoea, stomach pains, nausea and vomiting. The best way to avoid this is to be prepared and aware of these health issues when travelling.
“Some serious infectious diseases such as malaria, yellow fever, dengue fever and Ross River fever, are transmitted by insect bites. While there are vaccines and drugs available to help protect against some of these diseases, the best defence is to be vigilant in protecting yourself against mosquito bites.
“It’s a legal requirement to be vaccinated against yellow fever, if you’ve recently been in a high-risk area, before entry is granted into many countries, including Australia.
“People who take medications for medical conditions should ensure they have enough tablets, medicines, creams, etc to cover them for the duration of their trip. When heading overseas, take a doctor’s letter outlining why you are taking certain medications and always pack medication separate from checked luggage.
“Remember travel insurance is as essential as a passport and can save you unnecessary and exorbitant medical costs. Medical treatment in foreign countries can cost thousands. You need to make sure your insurance covers both medical and repatriation costs.
“Above all be safe – especially when driving. Driving in Australia often means coving extremely long distances. Make sure you allow plenty of time to reach your destination and take breaks to avoid getting tired. Remember the festive season is often marred by drink driving and speeding. Be aware of those around you and drive with extra care.”
For more information visit: www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au, www.smartraveller.gov.au, www.health.gov.au or www.who.int
Tips for healthy travel
Information from: www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au and www.smartraveller.gov.au
Don’t let your personal medications get you in trouble
Carry a letter from your doctor detailing what the medicine is you’re carrying, how much you will be taking, and stating that it is for your own personal use. Make sure you leave the medicine in its original packaging so it is clearly labelled with your name and dosage instructions.
Don’t trust the water and be wary of the food
When travelling overseas or to remote parts of Australia:
- Use boiled or bottled water, or water purifiers or tablets
- Avoid ice in drinks
- Avoid unpasteurised milk and dairy products
- Avoid fruit and vegetables that have been washed in the local water
- Eat thick-skinned fruit and vegetables that you can peel yourself, such as bananas, oranges and mandarins
- Make sure food is cooked thoroughly and eat it while it’s hot.
- Avoid shellfish
- Don’t buy food from street stalls - hotels and busy restaurants are safest
- Take care with personal hygiene
Watch out for insect bites
- Wear a good-quality mosquito repellent
- Stay indoors between dusk and dawn. The mosquitoes carrying the malaria parasite generally feed at this time
- Apply repellent, such as permethrin, to your clothes and bedding
- Wear socks, long pants and long-sleeve shirts when outdoors
- Use a bed net
- Stay in air-conditioned, screened accommodation.
Common tropical diseases
- Cholera - an acute intestinal infection caused by ingestion of contaminated water or food.
- Dengue fever - an infectious, mosquito-borne viral disease that causes fever, rash, and severe pain in the joints.
- Japanese encephalitis - a mosquito-borne viral disease affecting the central nervous system.
- Leprosy - a chronic bacterial disease affecting mainly skin and nerves. If untreated, there can be progressive and permanent damage to the skin, nerves, limbs and eyes.
- Malaria - a disease caused by a parasite that infects the red blood cells and is transmitted by mosquitoes.
- Rabies - an acute, infectious, often fatal viral disease of most warm-blooded animals, especially wolves, cats, and dogs, which attacks the central nervous system and is transmitted by the bite of infected animals.
- Typhoid - a potentially life-threatening disease caused by Salmonella typhi bacteria. It is usually carried via water or by food contaminated with sewage. Ross River fever – a debilitating viral disease that is spread by mosquitoes.
Protect yourself against sexually transmitted infections
Practise safe sex - HIV/AIDS and other sexually transmitted infections are widespread in many countries, particularly in Africa and Southeast Asia