Travel tips for overseas trips

• Consult the Department of Foreign Affairs for information on the medical, political and social issues that may affect travel to certain destinations.
• Don’t forget to pack sufficient birth control pills and condoms. They may not be easily available in all overseas areas.
• Take care if you are being tattooed or pierced; having your hair cut; or receiving acupuncture or dental treatment in another country. Remember that blood-borne viruses, such as HIV/AIDS and hepatitis B and C, can be spread via needles and syringes. Check needles and syringes are sterile before use. Preferably make sure they are single-use disposable needles.
• Avoid contracting diseases through insect bites by using insect repellent, and wearing long sleeved shirts and pants after dusk.
• Spray insect repellent in your room or tent before going to sleep, and sleep in a room with screens, if possible, or use a mosquito net over the bed. Place mosquito nets over cots to protect babies.
• The early diagnosis of malaria is crucial. Seek immediate medical treatment if you develop a fever, either with or without other symptoms, between one week after your first possible exposure to malaria and 2 months after the last possible exposure.
• If you are bitten or scratched by any animal when overseas, wash the wound with soap and water immediately and then seek medical treatment. Remind your children to avoid all animals.
• If you need medical attention while travelling overseas, visit the Australian embassy or consulate in that country for advice on where to go. Well-respected hotels are another possible source of reliable medical information.
• If a serious emergency occurs overseas, it is best to head directly to the largest medical facility in the area. Your doctor may be able to recommend medical facilities at your destination.
• Remember that some vaccinations recommended before overseas travel are not suitable to be given during pregnancy. Talk to your doctor about keeping you and your baby safe.

myDr, 2000
© Copyright: myDr, UBM Medica Australia, 2000-2010. All rights reserved.

Last Reviewed: 15 October 2004