Everybody loves going to exotic locations on holidays but there is nothing worse than coming back with an unwanted souvenir. Many exotic destinations we travel to are known as at-risk, where they have a known risk of infectious diseases (and where vaccinations and other precautions are recommended). Of the top 10 countries Australians are travelling to, 7 are considered at-risk. This includes Indonesia (which has experienced five times more Aussie arrivals over the last 10 years!), Thailand, Japan, India, China, Singapore and Fiji.
A 2015 report showed that 1 in 4 Australians travelling to at-risk destinations fell ill on their last trip, with 43% needing to seek medical assistance while overseas.
With research showing the number of Aussies going overseas should top 10 million next year, now is the perfect time to make sure you’re in-the-know about the best way to have a healthy holiday!
Dr Sarah Chu, travel health specialist and Sydney GP, has seen far too many patients ruin their trip by forgetting the simple ways to stay healthy on holiday. Here is her best advice:
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Don’t think it won’t happen to you!
Developing countries have many different health and safety standards to Australia – which exposes us to a range of health issues our bodies aren’t prepared for. It’s easy to think that you won’t get sick – because you’ve visited that country a number of times, or you were born and raised there, or that you don’t have the time or money to get vaccinated. But the hard fact is – there is a 50% chance you may suffer from a travel-related illness.
Expert tip:
We can all learn from Sydney-sider Tasha Nabila who spent her 18th birthday in an Indonesian hospital receiving multiple blood transfusions after she contracting both typhoid and dengue fever — at the same time.
Talk to a professional at least six weeks before travelling
So many of my patients think it’s enough to get travel insurance. While I agree it is a must-have, you can’t rely solely on insurance to prevent you from getting sick. As early as possible before your trip, around 6 weeks prior, visit your GP or a travel health specialist to figure out what you need to know about your destination, and how you can avoid getting sick.
Expert tip:
Your GP or travel health specialist will offer the best advice as well as protective options on the spot, including any required vaccinations or medications. Trust me – it’s worth the quick appointment!
Don’t rely solely on advice from friends – do your own research (using credible sources!)
Once you’ve spoken with a health professional, check out credible websites which can provide a few extra insights about your destination. Some handy links are:
Expert tip:
Travel safety websites are the best way to find out what you need to know about your specific holiday destination, as well as the diseases you are potentially putting yourself at risk of.
Enjoy the exotic cuisine – with caution
Of those Aussies who got sick on their last trip, 49% believe they caught something from eating and drinking. Contaminated food and water can cause nasty illnesses like Travellers’ diarrhea, hepatitis A and typhoid.
It doesn’t matter how you choose to dine – whether you’re staying at a 5-star hotel or eating from a street cart, contaminated food and water doesn’t discriminate.
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Expert tip:
Here are a few golden rules to remember:
- Always ensure that food is served and cooked hot
- Stick to bottled water only and avoid drinks with ice
- Steer clear of salads with raw fruit and vegetables
- Even foods you love to eat at home – like runny eggs, ice cream and unpasteurised dairy products – are best avoided
Protect against mozzies – they can carry more than just an itchy bite!
I hate to be a party-pooper, but summer dresses and shorts won’t help keep you healthy on your holiday. In many of our favourite exotic holidays destinations, mosquitos carry more than just an itchy bite – they can transmit malaria, dengue fever or Yellow fever.
Expert tip:
There are a few simple ways you can prevent getting bitten. Be sure to keep windows shut and take care to avoid insect bites, including using an insect repellent at all times and wearing long, loose fitting, light coloured clothing.
The flu doesn’t just happen in winter – it can strike down overseas too!
Some travellers tend to forget about influenza and the flu vaccination while holidaying in exotic countries, particularly humid regions like South East Asia. Influenza is among the most common vaccine-preventable disease in travellers, and the severity of the illness means it could ruin a holiday.
Expert tip:
Everyone, but particularly groups at risk such as the elderly, pregnant women and the very young are recommended to receive influenza vaccination – at least two weeks before leaving.
Be a prepared packer – we’re talking more than your favourite bikini
It’s easy to forget some essentials when you have 100 things on your mind. Make sure your basic medical needs are packed – including over-the-counter medicines, pain relievers, insect repellents, sunscreen, and first-aid kits.
Expert tip:
Save yourself the cost and hassle of needing to buy medical items overseas, which might not even be available in the country your visiting! The last thing you want to be doing is trying to explain your sickness and find medication overseas when you’re sick!
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