With the recent health outbreaks around the world we have been asked by the British Foreign and Commonwealth Office to pass on the following information. Although the article is produced by the British Foreign Office there is important information for all travelers. Remember travel safety is of the uppermost importance especially if you don't want to cut your journeys short.

Traveling to different climates and environments abroad can expose you to disease and health risks. You should be aware of the dangers and how to stay healthy.

Diseases which aren’t present in the UK such as yellow fever, malaria, rabies and dengue fever are common in some areas of the world.


Vaccinations and immunisations

Visit your GP as soon as possible to check if you need any vaccinations or other preventive measures (such as malaria tablets).


General travel health tips

You should also make extra preparations if you have an existing medical condition.

* take out adequate Travel Insurance or you could face a huge medical bill if you fall ill and need treatment
* check the health section of our country travel advice before you travel
* drink plenty of water in hot climates to avoid dehydration
* be safe in the sun - use a high-factor sunscreen and avoid excessive sunbathing between 11am - 3pm
* find out the local emergency services numbers and the number of the local hospital
* practice safe sex - take condoms with you as quality varies in different countries. HIV and Aids, and other sexually transmitted diseases can be caught worldwide.


Long-distance journeys

* don’t wear tight clothing on long-distance journeys
* do regular stretching exercises such as flexing and extending your ankles to avoid circulation problems
* walk round at regular intervals on long flights
* drink plenty of water on flights and avoid drinking too much alcohol.


Consult your doctor before long-distance travel if you:

* are pregnant or have given birth in the last 6 months
* have a history of blood disorders, deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism
* are taking hormonal medication (including the contraceptive pill)
* have cancer, heart problems or have recently had surgery.


If you have a pre-existing medical condition

* tell your travel insurer about your condition
* ask your doctor how the trip might affect you
* check local conditions such as climate and pollution levels and consider how you might be affected
* carry a doctor’s letter and a copy of any prescriptions
* ensure your medication is legal in the country you are visiting
* learn key words and phrases in the local language for your condition, medication and emergency help
* take the same precautions you normally would if you weren’t going to be at home for a while
* if you suffer from a mental illness you should be aware that facilities and local attitudes to mental health problems may differ from those in your home country. Do some research before you go.


Useful Links

For up-to-date advice on travel to Mexico:

www.fco.gov.uk/en/travelling-and-living-overseas/travel-advice-by-country/north-central-america/mexico/

For latest advice on swine flu and how it may affect travel plans:

www.fco.gov.uk/en/travelling-and-living-overseas/swine-flu

For the FCO’s advice on general travel health:

www.fco.gov.uk/en/travelling-and-living-overseas/staying-safe/health/

For the FCO’s advice on travel insurance see www.fco.gov.uk/en/travelling-and-living-overseas/staying-safe/travel-insurance/

World Health Organization

www.who.int


Thank you for reading and travel safe,
Myroho