Plan ahead

Whether you are travelling for pleasure or travelling on business, you will make the most of your time abroad if you take a little time to plan ahead. The checklist below will help you take care of your overseas health. A little time spent reading now might save days of misery later.

Always consult The Practice Nurse as early as possible - preferably 8 weeks before you travel - especially if you are going somewhere tropical. Vaccinations always take a while to become fully effective.
You do not need to consult your Doctor unless you have a medical condition that could affect your fitness to travel.

The Department of Health booklet, Health Advice for Travellers (T6) (available from Post Offices, Travel Agents and some Public Libraries) contains useful advice and information.

The European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) has replaced the E111 form, and allows you to be treated in EU countries (and Switzerland). For more information visit the EHIC Website.

Keep a record of any injections your doctor gives you before you go.

Travel Risk Assessment Form

We have devised a Travel Risk Assessment form that, when filled out and brought to an appointment prior to travel, can help doctors identify any key areas, immunisations and precautions that should be considered.

Please print this form (available in Word or PDF format) manually and bring it to your appointment.

[WORD] CHOOSE FORMAT [ PDF]

Hepatitis A, Typhoid and Cholera
Caused by infection from contaminated food and water.

• Flu-like symptoms, which can progress to more sever sickness (e.g. jaundice with hepatitis A, severe diarrhoea with typhoid and cholera).
• Common in most of Africa, northern and southern Asia and Central America, though hepatitis A is more widespread.

Aids/HIV, Hepatitis B

• Serious viral infections spread by the intimate person to person contact, such as unprotected sex, blood particles from sharing contaminated drug needles, transfusions with contaminated blood or using inadequately sterilised equipment.

Malaria, Yellow Fever
Caused by "bite" from mosquito carrying either parasite.

• Can cause serious fever, headaches and sickness.
• Widespread in more parts of Africa, Asia (not yellow fever), Central and South America.
• Protection from yellow fever by single injection (certificate necessary in some counties); from malaria by tablets. These must be started before you go and be continued during your stay and for one month after return.

Polio
Caused by direct contact with infect person/airborne particles

• Risk areas Asia, Africa, South America.
• Immunisation against polio by mouth drops in three doses though most require only single booster dose; an injection against TB (if necessarey) at least two months before travel.

Rabies
Caused by bite from infected animal.

• Risk in most parts of the world.
• Get advice immediately after a bite; injection may be necessary.

Tetanus
Usually caught through open wound, especially when in contact with soil.

• Most widespread in regions where medical facilities are limited.
  
  See "Travel Advice" for further information.

It is sensible to take a medical kit. Especially if you are going to a remote destination. A few basics like calamine lotion for sunburn, antiseptic cream, insect repellent, painkillers and anti-diarrhoea tablets should guard against most mishaps.

Be sure you have supplies of any medication you are taking for the time you are away. Always carry medicines in your hand luggage on aircraft.

Tell your Doctor if you might be pregnant

Diarrhoea might lead to dehydration, so drink plenty of bottled water, with added salt tablets and sugar after long attacks.

Where there is a malaria risk, protective drugs must be taken and measures such as mosquito nets, the wearing of long sleeves and trousers outdoors at night, repellants and mosquito coils/mats at night will all help to prevent mosquito bites.

 

When you return

You should tell your doctor of any sickness that develops once you are back home

If you intend to travel again remember that protection through vaccination can be kept up to date, so keep a record of your vaccinations and contact the surgery when your boosters are due as this can be much more convenient than starting the course again.