10 popular tourist locations with health risks
When you travel around the world you expose your body to unfamiliar conditions that could mean those fridge magnets aren’t the only souvenirs you’re taking home.
While ultimately it’s important to consult a medical professional for specific advice before your holiday, we’re going to provide a quick rundown of the health risks associated with 10 of the most popular tourist locations for Kiwi travellers.
By preparing in advance you can be confident you’ll have a nice time no matter where you’re going.
1. Bali – Even if you’re staying in a nice resort, you still need to be wary of health issues associated with local hygiene, food and mosquito-transmitted diseases. Ensure basic immunisations like Tetanus and Diphtheria are up to date before leaving.
2. China – It depends on the area of China you’re visiting, but make sure your Tetanus and Diphtheria immunisations are up to date. Malaria is a risk factor in certain areas, and you also might want to consider Hepatitis A and Typhoid immunisations.
3. Eastern Europe – When visiting this part of the world it’s important to be wary of diarrhoeal illness is quite common and outbreaks of waterborne illness are not infrequent. Influenza is a problem in winter months and nasty tick-borne diseases arise in summer.
4. Fiji – When you’re visiting this island paradise it’s important to have Tetanus and Diphtheria immunisations up to date. Take care with the food and water you consume over there and try to avoid mosquitos due to the presence of Dengue Fever.
5. India – Before a visit to the subcontinent ensure your Tetanus and Diphtheria immunisations are up to date and consider further Hepatitis A and Typhoid immunisations. Malaria can be an issue in India, so be sure to consult your doctor before leaving.
6. Japan – Measles can be quite an issue in the Land of the Rising Sun with cases reported in Tokyo and as far away as Hokkaido. Avian influenza is also one you might want to talk to your doctor about, but short-term travellers are generally at lower risk.
7. South America – Basic immunisations like Tetanus and Diphtheria must be up to date and Hepatitis A and Typhoid immunisations are worth considering. Consult your doctor prior to leaving. In additional to this, altitude sickness is an issue that needs to be managed in mountainous regions and travellers should be aware that Yellow Fever vaccinations certificates are required for all travellers returning to Australia from South America.
8. Thailand – Make sure basic immunisations like Tetanus and Diphtheria are up-to-date before visiting Thailand. Malaria is a risk factor in certain parts of the country so make sure you go over appropriate preventative measures with your doctor.
9. Vietnam – Basic immunisations like Tetanus and Diphtheria must be up-to-date before visiting Vietnam and you also might want to consult your travel doctor to see if it’s worth getting additional Hepatitis A and Typhoid immunisations before leaving.
10. Western Europe – A lot depend in where you’re going in Western Europe. Just as with Eastern Europe, influenza can be a problem in winter months and tick-borne diseases arise in summer. Diarrhoeal illnesses can become in an issue in countries around the Mediterranean.
Have you been to any of these locations, and did you take the appropriate health measures before you visited? Have you ever been sick overseas?
Please let us know in the comments below.
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