22 December 2009
NSW Health encourages safe overseas travel
NSW Health today urged people heading overseas for the holiday period to prepare before they go to help ensure they have a safe trip.
"Some infectious diseases and hazards are more common overseas, especially in less industrialised and tropical countries," Dr Jeremy McAnulty, NSW Health's Director of Communicable Diseases Branch said.
Dr McAnulty said seven simple steps will help keep you safe when travelling.
"Before you go:
While you are there:
1. Check to see what diseases are prevalent in your destination
Check reputable web links (e.g., the US Center for Disease Control and Prevention: http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel) and talk to your doctor.
2. No matter where you go, update your vaccinations
Measles, hepatitis A, typhoid and other infectious disease are more common in some other countries. Regardless of where you go, you might mix with travellers who carry measles or influenza.
Pandemic influenza vaccine is now available for everyone over 6 months of age, so get a shot now, especially if you are about to travel.
If you were born during or since 1966, make sure that you have had 2 shots of MMR vaccine. If you are going to tropical of developing countries, you may well need other vaccines, like hepatitis A and typhoid vaccines too.
3. Pack you medicines
Plan ahead to make sure you have your medications with you - carry a script or doctor's letter for prescription medicines -- to avoid confusion at customs.
4. Avoid mosquito borne infections
Malaria, dengue fever and other infections can be carried by mosquitoes in tropical areas. Ask your doctor whether you need to take tablets to protect against malaria. Unfortunately, tablets won't stop other mosquito borne diseases like dengue, so in affected areas, wear light coloured long sleeves and pants, use insect repellent, and you may need a mosquito net for sleeping.
5. Avoid food and water borne diseases
In many developing countries infections carried by contaminated food or water are very common. Avoid drinking tap water and ice made from it, and only eat food that is piping hot or fruit that you have peeled yourself.
6. Don't touch the animals
Rabies is common in many parts of the world and is carried by biting mammals - for example dogs, cats and bats. Rabies has recently appeared in new places too, like Bali. Do not try to handle stray and wild animals, and avoid bites from any animals. If you are bitten or scratched by one of these animals, immediately wash the wound thoroughly with soap and water and seek medical attention.
7. Follow safety rules
Injuries are one of the most common hazards for travellers. The safety rules in Australia also make sense when you are overseas - even if local laws are lax - so wear a helmet when on motor bike or bike, use seat belts in cars, wear sun block when outside and take extra care when crossing roads or swimming.
Dr McAnulty said there is a misconception that if you are going home to visit family or friends overseas then you are not at risk.
"Some studies indicate that people going home to visit family or friends are at greater risk of some infections than other travellers. NSW data shows that such travellers are at an increased risk of Hepatitis A and possibly typhoid," Dr McAnulty said.
For a range of health information, go online to www.health.nsw.gov.au
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