Whether you choose Australia, Africa, the Antarctic or Ashburton, the fun of travel is about being in a completely different place and staying healthy and safe to enjoy it.
Journeying beyond New Zealand can challenge your body in new ways. Lack of sleep, heat, insect bites, poor diet or contaminated food or water can immediately change your travel plans as you adjust to a new environment.
There’s a 50% chance of getting some sort of travel-related illness. It's usually nothing serious, perhaps just a heat rash, but in many parts of the world there are real health hazards to be wary of. However, you can be immunised or protect yourself against them.
Some people who become unwell are unaware of the health risks or have not taken necessary precautions - and skilled medical care just may not be close by. If you plan to travel overseas, some sensible preparation can help you to avoid stress and enjoy the experience.
Six to eight weeks before you travel, see your GP or go to a one-stop travel medicine clinic. They can plan the necessary vaccinations and give relevant advice. They will take into account if you are pregnant, have a heart problem or diabetes. Their checklist might include a medical examination, air travel risks, infectious disease prevention, mosquito repellents and anti-malarial drugs, and what first-aid kit to pack.
Your medicines should stay in their original containers, be clearly labelled and be put in your carry-on bags for easy access and in case your luggage is lost. Pack spare medicines separately.
A signed, dated letter from your GP explaining any medical conditions and medications can be very useful or wear a medical alert bracelet with your information. If you are taking children, check all their immunisations are up-to-date.
The most common traveller’s illness is infection from unhygienically prepared food or untreated water. Try to watch what you eat and drink, wash your hands regularly or use antibacterial lotion, and avoid close contact with anyone who is sick.
Yellow fever, malaria – the most common tropical disease – dengue fever, which is transmitted by insect bites, and rabies, which is transmitted by animals, are common in some parts of the world.
Stray dogs and other animals should be avoided. If an animal bites or scratches you, clean the wound with large amounts of soap and water and get medical help immediately.
Travel medicine specialist Dr Marc Shaw emphasises that: “Illnesses such as malaria, typhoid fever and dengue fever, may present after returning home so, if you are unwell, get checked out.”
You may be travelling in 2010 but don’t take a holiday from your health. Take out travel insurance, too. If you can’t afford it, you can’t afford to travel.
| DIY: TRAVEL HEALTH |
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1 Avoid ice in your drinks.
2 Peel fruit and vegetables yourself, and avoid “washed” salads. |
3 Pack lightweight long-sleeved tops and pants to help prevent mosquito bites.
4 Get a written medical report following illness or injury - for ACC or insurance. |
For more information to help you travel safely visit everybody’s Travel Health Centre
(Published in the Sunday News, 27 December 2009)
More everybody MYHEALTH columns from Barbara Docherty
Barbara Docherty is a registered nurse and clinical lecturer at the University of Auckland School of Nursing, and writer for the everybody.co.nz website. The opinions contained herein are those of the author and not necessarily those of the publisher or sponsor. Copyright UBM Medica (NZ) Ltd.
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