Health encyclopaedia - Alphabetical Topic List

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Risks of Travel health

There are many health risks associated with travelling overseas, including infectious diseases, food poisoning and heat-related conditions. Some of these conditions are mild and will pass quickly with minimum treatment, others are more serious and need specialised care.

Malaria

Malaria is a disease that is caused by a parasite and spread by mosquitoes.  It is much more common in some tropical countries such as parts of Africa, although there have been cases reported in the UK.  Malignant malaria (which is caused by the most aggressive type of parasite) canbe very serious, causing low blood pressure, jaundice and kidney failure if left untreated. Anti-malarial drugs are available for people travelling to affected areas and you can reduce the risk of infection by covering up with long-sleeved clothes and using mosquito repellents.

Sunburn

Sunburn is the damaging effect on the skin due to ultraviolet radiation in sunlight.  People travelling to hot climates from countries such as the UK are at greater risk of sunburn because their skin is unused to the sun.  People with fair skin are also more prone to sunburn.  Severe sunburn can cause red, sore, tender areas with blistering and peeling.  Because sunburn changes the skin’s DNA, it has been linked to skin cancers.

Heatstroke

Heatstroke occurs when the body becomes overheated very quickly.  It can happen because of very hot temperatures, extreme physical exertion, burns and sunburn.  Heatstroke causes fever, red, dry skin and hyperthermia.  Extreme heatstroke, when body temperature rises to over 41o, can cause cell damage to the brain, liver and kidneys.  You can reduce the risk of heatstroke by keeping physical exertion to a minimum in hot conditions, drinking plenty of water or isotonic fluids (drinks that replace the body fluid lost through sweating such as salt, and provide a carbohydrate energy boost) and avoiding alcohol in hot weather.

Stomach upset

Stomach upset on holiday can be caused by food poisoning or gastroenteritis due to eating or drinking food or water that has been contaminated by bacteria, parasites or viruses.  The symptoms may include vomiting, diarrhoea and abdominal pain.  Stomach upset can occur when local bacteria replace the bacteria that usually live in the bowels without causing any harm.  You can reduce the risk of stomach upset by only drinking bottled (preferably carbonated) water, avoiding shellfish (particularly uncooked varieties such as oysters), avoiding ice cream and ice in drinks, and only eating food that is piping hot.

Bites and stings

In the UK, most bites and stings are painful but harmless and only affect the area around the sting. However, some people can have an immediate and more widespread allergic reaction, such as an anaphylactic shock and this can be fatal (see Anaphylaxis topic). This is quite rare (approximately 3 people in 100) and normally only happens with a wasp sting.

When you are abroad, you need to be aware of other stinging and biting animals and insects, such as scorpions, snakes, spiders, and jellyfish. Always take care to look where you are walking and take the advice of local tourist information about safe places to visit and swim. It is also important to note that bites can infect you with diseases such as malaria or rabies (see individual topics for more detail). Always seek medical attention if you are bitten or licked on the face by an animal, while abroad.

Depending on the area you intend to visit, you may also need to take precautions, or be vaccinated, against diseases such as:

  • Rabies,
  • HIV/AIDS,
  • Bilharziasis,
  • Cholera,
  • Dengue,
  • Diptheria,
  • Hepatitis (A, B and C),
  • Japanese encephalitis,
  • Legionnaires disease,
  • Meningitis,
  • Poliomyelitis,
  • Tetanus,
  • Tick-borne encephalitis,
  • Tuberculosis,
  • Typhoid, and
  • Yellow fever.

Check with your GP well in advance of travel to see if you need any vaccinations for the countries you intend to visit.