When ignorance isn’t bliss Print E-mail
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Despite airport delays, baggage restrictions and countless other discomforts, we continue to travel to far-flung places. If we take sensible health precautions, there is no reason why we shouldn’t enjoy them, says Catherine Beattie. 

These days, despite the difficulties associated with modern air travel, we are all packing our suitcases more often and going further afield. Since many of these far-flung destinations are often in developing countries with scarce resources and unreliable infrastructure, careful preparation is essential to ensure an enjoyable and healthy trip. Experienced travellers know that, without taking sensible precautions, it is very easy to become ill away from home and even a bout of diarrhoea can seriously disrupt a holiday and necessitate a change of travel plans.

Intrepid explorers should note this salutary advice from The Sunday Times: “Abroad is the most dangerous place in the world. Eat the wrong food, sleep in the wrong bed (or in the right bed with the wrong person), walk in the wrong jungle, bathe in the wrong sea or doze on the wrong beach – and you’re as near as dead!” You have been warned!

Things to do before you go

Preventative health care

Consult your GP or travel clinic a couple of months before your departure date about having preventative jabs or medications for tropical diseases if you are travelling anywhere other than Europe, the US, Canada, Australia or New Zealand. Malaria – a serious and sometimes fatal disease caused by a bite from an infected mosquito – is widespread in many tropical and subtropical countries. There is no malaria vaccination, but a course of tablets offers protection if you get bitten. Your GP will advise you which ones to take (it depends on your destination). You need to start the course three weeks before you leave and continue to take them for up to four weeks after you return home to cover the incubation period of the disease.

Check with your GP if you need any booster jabs for tetanus or polio or other preventative treatments. (Keep a record of which vaccinations you have had and when.)

If you have special health needs, take ample supplies of your prescribed medicines and ask about having a flu jab. If you have diabetes, keep insulin and needles in your hand luggage in an insulated bag – the sub-zero temperatures in the hold may damage insulin’s efficacy. Carry an emergency supply of sweets and a note from your doctor explaining why you are taking syringes in your carry-on luggage.

If you are concerned you may be at risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) when flying long haul because of a health condition or medication, seek medical advice.

Pack a first aid kit that includes insect repellent with deet, sunscreen, plasters, painkillers, water purifying tablets and toilet paper (if you are going to a remote area), Immodium and re-hydration tablets (for diarrhoea), eye drops, antiseptic cream, laxative and antihistamine tablets and some prescribed antibiotics.

Other preparations

Research your destination thoroughly with the help of up-to-date guidebooks, the Internet, newspapers, magazines and by talking to other people who have been there. Learn as much as possible about the climate, culture, customs and importantly any health hazards you are likely to encounter: for example, is the tap water safe to drink.

There are good websites offering general health advice to travellers and others for travellers with specific health needs (see “Further information”).

Never travel without a good travel insurance policy that includes cover for repatriation (air evacuation) on medical grounds and offers a 24-hour telephone advice line. Always declare pre-existing ill health conditions and check the restrictions and exclusions.

Take photocopies of your passport, travel and insurance documents – make two copies of each and leave one set at home with family/friends and take one set with you and keep in a safe place separate from originals.

Keeping healthy on the flight

  • Don’t drink large amounts of alcohol before a long haul flight – get a good night’s sleep.
  • Don’t rush – allow plenty of time to travel to the airport so you are in a relaxed state when boarding.
  • Wear layers of comfortable lightweight clothes and special flight socks/tights to help avoid DVT.
  • A low-dose aspirin tablet taken before and after the flight helps reduce the risk of blood clots.
  • Walk about the cabin during the flight.
  • Carry out simple stretching exercises while sitting in your seat – especially for feet and calves.
  • Drink lots of plain water and non-carbonated drinks. Alcoholic and carbonated drinks, tea and coffee all have a dehydrating effect and should be taken in limited quantities.
  • Cabin air is very drying – so pack a good facial moisturiser and some Vaseline or a lip balm. Remove contact lenses before flying or take moisturising eye drops.
  • Try to take naps during the flight – it helps with the jet lag.
  • Before your return flight avoid sunbathing for 24 hours before you fly as it is dehydrating.
  • Scuba divers should avoid diving to a depth greater than 30 feet in the 24 hours before a flight.

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