Devonshire House Surgery
Travel Advice
Travelling to other countries can be interesting, educational and relaxing however you must remember to look after your health while away.
At least 2 months before you go check to see if any vaccinations are required. The doctor or practice nurse will be able to find out which vaccinations are due for a booster. For travel to tropical areas, anti-malarial tablets may need to be taken. These must be started well before you actually travel so dont leave it until the last minute.
In less developed areas, be careful about where you swim and what you eat. uncooked foods suach as salads are poorly cooked seafood and poultry are the most likely to give you a dodgy stomach. Be aware that ice cubes in drinks may have been made with the local tap water.
Have respect for the sun. Wear hats and high factor sunscreens. Remember that in hot climates just 10 minutes exposure can give you an unpleasant burn. Reapply sun screen after swimming.
Even the most dilligent traveller gets the occasional bout of travellers diarrhoea. Be prepared for this and take plenty of fluids. If diarrhoea persista for longer than 1 week after your return you should consult your doctor.
Many tropical diseases are spread by mosquitoes, including malaria, typhoid and yellow fever. Vaccination is all well and good but it is not 100% effective. The best way to avoid contracting these diseases is to avoid being bitten. Mosquitoes will come into your room DURING THE DAY and hide until nightfall, then they come out to play. Try not to leave your room open too much during the day and use a powerful mosquito spray before retiring to bed. Sleeping under a mosquito net gives good protection but these insects do find a way of finding the holes. When going out in the evening (especially if you are near water) keep your skin as covered up as possible and use strong repellants on the exposed bits.
Jetlag is unpleasant but can often be offset by taking in regular food and drink during the flight. Alcohol will dehydrate you and make jetlag worse so try and go easy on the in-flight bar. Try and catch some sleep on the flight even if it means missing the film. Take it from me, Jurassic Park does not look the same on a 4 inch screen in the back of a seat). Remember that your ankles will invariably swell during the flight because of imobility and pressure changes. If you have had recent ENT surgery you should ask the surgeon whether you will be fit to fly. People with severe cardiac or lung problems should ask the doctor if they are fit to fly, especially if there has been a recent worsening in their illness. If you have a cold, take decongestants otherwise you will have an unpleasant time coming in to land. Do not be too anxious about flying, you will already have passed the most dangerous part of your trip - the drive to the airport.
HIV Worldwide
Be sensible. Protect yourself from HIV and other diseases. If your prospective partner will not wear a condom as yourself is it worth risking your life for this fling. HIV is a worldwide disease and is not just confined to the gay community. Everyone is equally at risk.
The risk of shared needles should be understood. Remember tatooing and ear-piercing. Medical care in undeveloped countries may also pose risks. Medical kits containing needles, drips and suture equipment can be loaned from the surgery. Not all blood donated abroad undergoes the rigorous screening and treatment that happens in this country.
Some countries require evidence of a negative HIV test before entry for certain categories of visitor (including Australia) Contact the embassy concerned
The following list of countries have a higher prevalence of HIV:
Afghanistan
Benin
Burundi
Cambodia
Congo (formerly Zaire)
Gabon
Ghana
Guinea-Bissau
Ivory Coast
Korea (N&S)
Leeward Islands (Carribean)
Mongolia
Mozambique
Nigeria
Rwanda
Tanzania
Thailand
Uganda
Windward Islands (Carribean)
Zambia
Zimbabwe
Travel Vaccinations
Malaria Tablets
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