Dr. Shreya Singhal, a junior doctor working in West London and an avid backpacker, shares her top tips for safe summer travel. With experience in Infectious Diseases and General Practice, she provides valuable advice for minimizing health risks while traveling.
As many prepare for their holidays, Dr. Singhal has written this blog post to guide you in traveling safely.
### Before You Travel
#### Routine Vaccinations
Ensure you are up to date with your vaccinations for your protection and the health of those around you. Diseases that are uncommon in the UK may be prevalent in other countries, some of which can have severe consequences for vulnerable individuals.
**Measles**: A highly infectious viral illness that can lead to serious complications. The MMR vaccine, given in childhood, is essential. Ensure you and your family are up to date with both doses, which offer lifetime protection for most people. Check with your GP or a travel clinic if you are unsure of your vaccination status.
#### Additional Vaccinations/Pre-Medications
You may need extra vaccinations or preventative medications depending on your destination. For example:
– **Japanese Encephalitis**: For parts of rural Asia and the Far East.
– **Malaria**: Preventative tablets for malaria risk areas.
– **Yellow Fever**: Proof of vaccination may be required even if there’s no infection risk.
– **Rabies**: Vaccination may be needed in certain areas.
Always check the recommended vaccinations for your travel destination and review NHS travel advice. Contact your local travel health clinic or GP practice for advice on vaccinations and preventative medicines, ideally 4-6 weeks before travel.
### During Travel
#### General Health Measures
– Be mindful of hand hygiene, water supply, food safety, and sun exposure.
– During heatwaves, stay hydrated, wear sunscreen, a hat, and light clothing, and avoid intense activity.
– Pack hand sanitiser and drink bottled water when possible. Wash hands with soap and water after using the toilet and before eating.
**Traveller’s Diarrhoea**: Caused by unsafe food/water, it can lead to significant fluid loss. Rest, hydrate with bottled fluids and rehydration salts, and seek medical attention if symptoms persist.
#### Specific Diseases to Be Aware Of
– **Mosquito Bites**: Can transmit diseases like malaria, dengue, zika, West Nile virus, and chikungunya. Use repellents with at least 50% DEET, wear long-sleeved clothing, and use mosquito nets.
– **Malaria**: If you experience fever or flu-like symptoms during or after traveling to malaria-risk countries, seek urgent medical attention.
– **Rabies**: Transmitted by bites/scratches from infected animals. Avoid animal bites, consider a pre-exposure vaccine, and seek immediate medical advice if exposed.
### Getting Help
Seek medical care if you experience:
– Fever of 38°C or higher
– Blood/mucus in stool
– Confusion or altered mental status
– Severe abdominal pain
– Jaundice or rash
Young children, older travelers, and those at higher risk of dehydration should seek early medical advice if they have symptoms of dehydration or cannot tolerate fluids.
### Sexual Health
– Practicing safer sex reduces the risk of STIs and HIV. Use condoms and discuss HIV/STI status with partners.
– Avoid sharing items like towels, clothing, or bedding with someone who has mpox symptoms.
– Be aware of antibiotic-resistant gonorrhea in popular tourist destinations in the Asia-Pacific region.
If you have unprotected sex abroad, get tested for STIs before having sex with anyone else.
### Other Considerations
Ensure any underlying health conditions are stable before travel and carry sufficient medications. Check the rules around using and importing medication in your destination country.
### Returning to the UK
If you feel unwell after returning to the UK, seek medical attention and inform your healthcare provider about your recent travel.
