While you are there - eat and drink wisely
The most common travel related illnesses are gastrointestinal diseases usually picked up from poorly prepared foods or untreated water. To avoid the diarrhoea, stomach pains, nausea and vomiting associated with these illnesses:
* Use boiled or bottled water, or water purifiers or tablets.
* Avoid ice in drinks.
* Avoid unpasteurised milk and dairy products.
* Avoid fruit and vegetables that have been washed in the local water.
* Eat thick-skinned fruit and vegetables that you can peel yourself, such as bananas, oranges and mandarins.
* Make sure food is cooked thoroughly and eat it while it’s hot.
* Avoid shellfish.
* Don’t buy food from street stalls - hotels and busy restaurants are safest.
* Take care with personal hygiene.
While you are there - avoid insect bites
Some serious infectious diseases such as malaria, yellow fever and dengue fever, are transmitted by insect bites. While there are vaccines and drugs available to help protect against some of these diseases, travellers are advised to always protect against mosquito bites. Some tips include:
* Wear mosquito repellent that contains at least 30 per cent DEET.
* Stay indoors between dusk and dawn. The mosquitoes carrying the malaria parasite generally feed at this time.
* Apply repellent, such as permethrin, to your clothes and bedding.
* Wear socks, long pants, and long-sleeve shirts when outdoors.
* Use a bed net.
* Stay in airconditioned, screened accommodation.
Protect yourself against sexually transmitted diseases
HIV-AIDS and other sexually transmitted diseases are endemic in many countries, particularly in Africa and Southeast Asia. Safe sex practices are essential.
Things to remember
* Overseas travellers have a 50 per cent chance of suffering from a travel-related illness.
* The most common travel-related sickness is gastrointestinal infection which is generally picked up from poorly prepared food and untreated water.
* Have a medical checkup to make sure you are healthy before you travel.
* Discuss vaccinations with your doctor.
* Be prepared and aware of health issues when travelling
