OK, so it's something your mum might bring up. "Are you eating healthily?" "Have you taken a warm coat with you?" But, health is an important thing to think about - especially if you're travelling abroad. Firstly, there may be risks you need to be aware of when you're covering certain countries. And secondly, not all of these countries have the same health provisions that we do in the UK. It's about being prepared. Then you can forget about it and have some fun. Here are some of the things you should be thinking about. Risks in certain countries
You can get information on the health risks in a country from their embassy or high commission. These can be accessed online. Getting your jabs
You need to check details on immunisation at least a couple of months before you get on the road. This might seem a long time in advance. But, if you need immunisation, you might not be able to get all of it in one go. Some medication may also take a while to become fully effective. Your doctor's surgery should be able to give advice. There's also information on the National Health Service site. Health documents
Make sure you take all the health documents you need. These include your passport (which we're guessing you'll have anyway), your European Health Insurance Card (if you have one), vaccination certificates, and proof of UK residence. Health insurance
There's no getting away from health insurance - it's essential if you're on a round-the-world trip. Make sure the company you're thinking of signing up with has got a 24-hour helpline in case of emergencies; that the insurance covers you for the whole trip; and that, if you're taking part in dangerous sports, you're covered. Contact details of friends and family
It's always worth keeping the contact details of a few family members or friends with your passport, so they can be contacted in an emergency. Contraception
Have you made plans for your usual form of contraception? Make sure you'll have access to it by speaking with your doctor or local contraception clinic. Travel guide
Get yourself a reliable travel guide. They give invaluable guidance on what you should see, but also where to avoid. Drinking the water
if you are suspicious of the provenance of the local bottled water, go for the sparkling water as this will certainly have come straight from the bottling plant. Eating the food
Make sure food has been freshly and thoroughly cooked, and that it is still hot before you eat. Avoid food that has been exposed to flies. And, be aware of the risks of milk - unpasteurised milk and ice cream from an unknown source, for instance. Watching the sun
Take sun cream (factor 15 or higher), and protect your eyes by investing in sunglasses with proper UV filters. The hottest part of the day is usually between 11am and 3pm. Make sure you keep a bottle of water on you. When you get home
If you've been ill (or you get home and you're ill), remember to tell the doctor which countries you've been travelling through. If you've been taking anti-malaria tablets, check to see if you need to keep taking them when you get home. In some cases, you need to carry on for up to a month. |
