BEFORE YOU LEAVE

IMMUNISATIONS
Make sure you plan these well in advance, you will generally need to start receiving immunisations at least 8 weeks before you leave Leeds

HOW TO USE OUR TRAVEL IMMUNISATION PROCESS

STEP 1
You must obtain a MASTA Travel Brief if you are embarking on a complex travel itinerary (i.e. visiting several countries)

OBTAINING A FREE MASTA TRAVEL BRIEF
You can obtain a MASTA (Medical Advisory Services for Travellers Abroad) travel schedule using the link below. You will obtain a personal travel schedule for every country on your trip, which will advise you about: recommended vaccinations, up to date alerts and warnings for each country including any disease outbreaks, and tailored travel advice for your trip.  You will receive an e-mail copy of the schedule, and if connected to a printer when you obtain your schedule you can print it immediately – otherwise you will need to print the e-mailed copy

MASTA travel schedule link: http://www.masta-travel-health.com/health-brief/create/

STEP 2
You must complete our Overseas Traveller Form

STEP 3
Return page 2 and 3 of our Overseas Traveller Form together with the entire MASTA form to us, and book your first Travel Clinic appointment.  We recommend you bring the completed forms into Reception and book your appointment.  However, if you prefer you can post them back to: Travel Clinic, Leeds Student Medical Practice, 4 Blenheim Court, Blenheim Walk, Leeds LS2 9AE (if posting allow 5 days for it to reach us before you telephone to make your Travel Clinic appointment)

STEP 4
At your first appointment if you need any free vaccinations we will start them, if required we will organise anti-malarial medicine, and tell you if you need any non-NHS (private) vaccinations and how much these will cost.  You must read your MASTA schedule before the first appointment and decide which recommended vaccinations you want us to give you

See the vaccine preventable diseases section for more detail about immunisations you may require

INSURANCE
Make sure you have full medical insurance covering all activities you are likely to take part in, and make sure it is a repatriation policy. The biggest risks to travellers abroad are theft and road accidents. Make copies of your travel insurance documents, take one with you and leave a copy with a contact in the UK.  If you can, scan them and e-mail them back to yourself.  Do the same with your passport and tickets etc. Keep a copy of your travel insurance company telephone number and your insurance document number with you at all times

If you are a UK resident, you can obtain a European Health Insurance Card, this entitles you to medical treatment that becomes necessary, at reduced cost or sometimes free, when temporarily visiting a European Union (EU) country, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway or Switzerland. You can apply on-line (at least 6 weeks before departure)

LOCAL KNOWLEDGE
Look up information, medical and otherwise on the area you will be travelling to and draw up a list of items you need to take (including medical kit). Be aware of the medical conditions you are likely to encounter and read up on them

PERSONAL HEALTH
Make sure you have adequate supplies of any regular or intermittent medications you take. Have a full dental check up a couple of months before you go (see our Dentists in this area page)

FIRST AID KIT
Put together a medical kit appropriate to the nature of your trip. See our Medical Kit for Travellers page

MEDICAL INDEMNITY
Medical Students need to contact MPS or MDU and arrange an elective study indemnity policy

SPECIALIST TRAINING
Objective Travel Safety runs regular courses specifically designed for students planning gap year travel. View our page containing more information about these courses

KEEPING HEALTHY WHEN ABROAD

AIR TRAVEL
To reduce the risk of Deep Vein Thrombosis it is sensible on any long haul flight to:

• Be comfortable in your seat
• Exercise your legs, feet and toes while sitting every half an hour or so and take short walks whenever feasible. Upper body and breathing exercises can further improve circulation
• Drink plenty of water and be sensible about alcohol intake which in excess leads to dehydration

DRINKING WATER
Diseases can be caught from drinking contaminated water (or swimming in it). Unless you KNOW the water supply is safe where you are staying, only use:

This advice applies to ice cubes in drinks and water for cleaning your teeth

SWIMMING
If swimming in fresh water lakes and rivers in Africa, Latin America and South-East Asia you are at risk of contracting Schistosomiasis. The best advice is to avoid swimming in freshwater lakes or rivers, or if you do, you need a blood test 12 weeks after returning from your trip. (In 2011 we had 15 cases in 6 months)

FOOD SAFETY
Contaminated food is the commonest source of many diseases abroad. You can help prevent it by following these guidelines:

Why factor 15?
The reason experts recommend factor 15, is that this represents the best balance between protection and price. You will get over 90 per cent protection from UVB rays with SPF 15. But no sunscreen, no matter how high the factor, can offer 100 per cent protection

When Buying sunscreen:

Tips for using sunscreen properly:

PERSONAL SAFETY
Leading causes of death in travellers are due to drowning and traffic accidents. You can help prevent them by following these precautionary guidelines:

SEXUAL HEALTH
Remember that unprotected sex can result in anything from Chlamydia to HIV. The Sun newspaper reported in July 2005 that a Syphilis outbreak in Manchester was quickly replicated in Amsterdam, Dublin, and Paris as a result of people jetting from place to place and having unprotected sex - everyone going on holiday should take condoms, don't leave it to chance, it's not worth the risk

FIRST AID KIT
If you are travelling to remote areas where access to medical care is limited we strongly advise you to carry a medical kit appropriate to the nature of your trip. Sterile medical kits containing syringes, needles, IV giving set, sutures and dressings are available to purchase from Reception (see Fees page for current cost). In addition we suggest that you also consider taking the items detailed on our Medical Kit For Travellers page

SPECIALIST TRAINING
Objective Travel Safety runs regular courses specifically designed for students planning gap year travel. View our page containing more information about these courses

INSECTS, MALARIA, & ALTITUDE

INSECT BITES
Mosquitoes, certain types of flies, ticks and bugs can transmit many different diseases. e.g. malaria, dengue fever, yellow fever. Some bite at night, but some during daytime. The main way to avoid illness is to avoid being bitten, where possible:

• If your room is not air conditioned, but screened, close shutters early evening and spray room with knockdown insecticide spray. In malarious regions, if camping, or sleeping in unprotected accommodation, always sleep under a mosquito net (impregnated with permethrin). Avoid camping near areas of stagnant water, these are common breeding areas for mosquitoes etc
• Electric insecticide vaporisers are very effective as long as there are no power failures! Electric buzzers, garlic and vitamin B are not effective
• Cover up skin as much as possible if going out at night, (mosquitoes that transmit malaria bite from dusk until dawn). Wear light coloured clothes, long sleeves, trousers or long skirts
• Use insect repellents on exposed skin. (Choose those containing DEET or eucalyptus oil base. A content of approximately 35% DEET is recommended for tropical destinations.) Clothes can be sprayed with repellents too. Impregnated wrist and ankle bands are also available. Check suitability for children on the individual products
• Report any unexplained illness with symptoms such as fever, headache, malaise, muscle aches and fatigue

MALARIA
Malaria is probably the most common and most serious disease you will be exposed to when travelling.  Malaria is caused by a microscopic parasite transmitted by female mosquitoes when they take a blood meal at your expense.  There are four species of malaria parasite, of which Plasmodium falciparum is the most dangerous and can lead to cerebral malaria and death

Malaria usually starts as a fever and you will feel very unwell.  Other symptoms may include diarrhoea, headache or a cough.  In a malarious area, all illnesses with fever should be considered to be malaria until proved otherwise.  Seek medical help as soon as you can if you become ill

Check carefully the areas you plan to travel to and take anti-malarial tablets (prophylaxis) if advised by the travel-health nurse or doctor.  Some tablets can be bought over the counter in a chemist but others are only available on prescription.  Do not take over-the-counter tablets if prescription-only prophylaxis has been advised

You can get malaria even when taking prophylaxis, but this happens more commonly in individuals who forget to take one or more tablets.  It is essential that you take the tablets you are prescribed regularly and on time and for the whole of the recommended time after leaving a malarious area (sometimes for 4 weeks after)

Mosquitoes that transmit malaria bite mainly at night, but this can be any time from dusk onwards and even just after dawn.  Use insect repellent containing at least 35% DEET, wear long, loose clothing when possible and consider taking a mosquito net impregnated with permethrin to sleep and rest under.  These can be bought in outdoor/camping shops which stock a full range of products.  Do not rely on insect repellent and mosquito nets alone if you have been advised to take prophylaxis as well; all forms of protection are important

• Take adequate supplies of the antimalarial agent suited to your area of travel and remember to take it. People die every year from malaria in the UK
• Even with the best prophylaxis you may still catch malaria so have a high index of suspicion
• Report any unexplained illness with symptoms such as fever, headache, malaise, muscle aches and fatigue
• Malaria can occur up to two years after being bitten by an infected mosquito
• If you become unwell with fever up to a year after returning from a malarious area, see your GP and tell them you have travelled abroad

View the Malaria Prophylaxis page which contains prices and sources for all anti-malarial medicines

TRAVELLERS TO HIGH ALTITUDE
Acute altitude sickness occurs when an individual who is accustomed to low altitudes rapidly climbs to high altitude (above 8,000 feet). Clinical features of mild altitude sickness are:

The treatment for acute altitude sickness ranges from rest and analgesia, to oxygen therapy and descent

Extreme altitude sickness can be fatal. It is advised that climbers should acclimatise if climbing to high altitude:

The following preventative measures should be utilised:

VACCINE PREVENTABLE DISEASES

First of all, it is important to remember that no vaccine is 100% effective in everyone.  For this reason you need to take other precautions to avoid exposure to disease, such as taking care with food and water, avoiding animals and not using un-sterile medical equipment

AVIAN FLU
Take a look at our Avian Flu page for more information

CHOLERA
A serious bacterial disease, mainly water-borne, with a high mortality rate if untreated.  It causes profuse watery diarrhoea and death can occur rapidly due to dehydration.  Cholera epidemics are most common in refugee camps or disaster zones.  Relief or disaster aid workers should consider requesting the vaccine

DIPHTHERIA
A bacterial disease spread by droplets and contact with articles from infected people.  It causes a disease affecting your respiratory system.  Check you have had your childhood vaccinations, and if it is more than 10 years since your last vaccination, you can have a combined polio, diphtheria and tetanus vaccine booster

HEPATITIS A
A viral infection spread through contaminated food or water.  It is highly contagious and is the most common vaccine-preventable disease in travellers.  Symptoms include fever, nausea, vomiting, dark-coloured urine and jaundice.  A single dose of vaccine followed by a booster 6 to 12 months later will give you an estimated 25 years protection. You can reduce your risk by following the advice in the drinking water and food sections above

HEPATITIS B, C AND HIV INFECTION
These diseases can be transmitted by:

JAPANESE B ENCEPHALITIS
A mosquito-borne viral disease found in rural areas of South-East Asia and the Far East, especially where rice growing and pig farming co-exist.  The risk of infection is greatest during and just after the rainy season.  Most cases of the disease go unnoticed but about 1 in 250 cases becomes clinically apparent and in these individuals the disease can lead to severe encephalitis with permanent brain damage or even death. The Japanese B encephalitis vaccine is a course of 2 injections given over 1 month (with an optional booster after 3 years). There is a charge for this vaccine (contact Reception)

MENINGITIS
Meningitis ACWY is a vaccine against 4 strains of the meningococcal bacterium found in Africa and some parts of Asia, especially India.  Meningococcal infection can affect your brain (meningitis) or your blood (septicaemia) or both.  The vaccine is particularly recommended for those travelling on public transport or living in crowded conditions or working closely with the local population.  A vaccination certificate is required for all travellers to the Hajj or for the Umrah.  A single dose of vaccine provides 3-5 years protection

POLIO
A viral disease caused by on of three serotypes of polio virus.  If infected, meningitis or paralysis may occur.  Some countries, especially in West Africa, now have outbreaks of polio following a cessation of the vaccination programme in Nigeria.  Check you have had your childhood vaccinations, and if it is more than 10 years since your last vaccination, you can have a combined polio, diphtheria and tetanus vaccine booster

RABIES
Rabies is present in many parts of the world. If a person develops rabies death is 100% certain. There are 40,000 deaths worldwide every year from Rabies. Do not be complacent - do not touch any animal, particularly; dogs, cats, monkeys, bats. If you are travelling to remote areas, it is particularly important that you consider having the rabies vaccine before you travel

WHAT TO DO IF YOU ARE SCRATCHED OR BITTEN BY A MAMMAL IN A COUNTRY WHERE RABIES IS PRESENT

An article in the British Medical Journal in September 2005 reported the case of a British woman who travelled to India. Whilst there she was bitten by a puppy, leaving a slight graze. She had not been vaccinated against Rabies, but thought nothing more about it and did not seek medical help. Three and a half months after returning to the UK she was admitted to hospital with severe shooting pains in her lower back and left leg. She was diagnosed with rabies and died after eighteen days in hospital. There is a charge for this vaccine (contact Reception)

Open the Rabies information on a separate page (suitable for printing to take with you)

SWINE FLU
There are still cases of Swine Flu (Influenza A) being reported in the Southern Hemisphere. If you are travelling to this area we recommend you receive free vaccination against Swine Flu. This is available from us on request

TETANUS
A disease caused by the toxin of a bacterium present in soil or manure which may enter the body through a wound, burn or scratch.  The disease leads to muscle stiffness which usually involves the jaw (lockjaw) and can cause death.  If it is more than 10 years since your last tetanus vaccination, you can have a combined polio, diphtheria and tetanus vaccine booster

TICK-BORNE ENCEPHALITIS
As the name suggests, is spread by ticks.  However, it can also be acquired by consuming unpasteurised dairy products from infected animals, especially goats.  It is a viral disease which occurs mostly in the summer months in forested areas of Central and Eastern Europe and Scandinavia.  In most cases, the infection has no symptoms.  In the 10% of people where symptoms develop they usually have a flu-like illness with severe headache, joint stiffness and confusion.  These symptoms usually resolve, but in 10% of these cases a second phase of fever occurs which leads to encephalitis and may result in paralysis, seizures or death

Avoid contact with ticks by wearing long trousers, avoid long grass and undergrowth if possible and use insect repellent containing at least 50% DEET.  Only 1-2% of ticks are likely to be carrying the virus, but if you find any ticks attached to your skin (check armpits, groin and navel regularly) remove them by grasping with tweezers or fingers, holding as close to your skin as possible, and pull gently and consistently until the tick comes away. If the mouthparts remain stuck in your skin, remove them as soon as possible

Vaccination is recommended if you will be spending long periods in infected areas or if you will be camping or working in forests, especially during the summer.  The tick-borne encephalitis vaccine is a course of 3 injections given over 3 weeks.  If you decide to have this vaccine you will need a private prescription from the doctor

TUBERCULOSIS (TB)
A bacterial disease spread through cough and sneeze droplets.  Although it may affect any part of the body, most commonly it affects the lungs.  It occurs in many parts of the world and you can acquire the disease through close contact with an infected person, such as living in the same household.  The BCG vaccine is not believed to give very good protection against TB so if you have a persistent cough when you return (or during your trip if you are travelling for some time) seek medical attention.

TYPHOID FEVER
A bacterial disease spread through contaminated food and water and can cause serious disease, the symptoms of which start with diarrhoea and vomiting.  The fatality rate is as high as 20% in untreated cases (1% with prompt antibiotic therapy).  In endemic areas, take care with your food and water even if you have been vaccinated.  A single dose of vaccine lasts for 3 years. You can reduce your risk by following the advice in the drinking water and food sections above

YELLOW FEVER
A virus carried by the Aedes mosquito, which bite during the day.  It is a serious and sometimes fatal disease which occurs in many parts of sub-Saharan Africa and Central and South America.  Some countries will not let you enter without a valid International Certificate of Vaccination.  You must be vaccinated at least 10 days before travel and there is a charge for this vaccine (contact Reception)

Back to top

PARASITES & OTHER DISEASES

Parasitic diseases are common in the local population in many travel destinations and although you should not worry, it is advisable to be aware of some of these diseases and how they can be avoided

DENGUE FEVER
Prevalence: Common in many parts of the tropics
Dengue fever is caused by one of four virus serotypes which are spread by Aedes species of mosquito.  These mosquitoes bite during the day.  The epidemics of dengue fever are often seasonal, during or just after rainy seasons.  Check the NATHNAC link for current outbreaks

Symptoms come on very suddenly, with fever, severe headache, and muscle and joint pains, with a rash typically developing after 3-5 days.  Nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea are also common.  The acute phase usually lasts a week, and although serious complications are uncommon, post-viral fatigue syndrome is common, so take it easy for a few weeks if you can. Rarely, dengue fever can develop into a more serious form, called dengue haemorrhagic fever, which in turn can lead to dengue shock syndrome, which can be fatal.  The haemorrhagic form occurs more commonly in subsequent attacks with a different serotype of dengue virus

Treatment is symptomatic: keep your fluid intake up (not alcohol!) so that you don’t dehydrate, and pain should be relieved with paracetamol, not aspirin or ibuprofen.  Hospital care is indicated in severe illness or if complications occur

Diagnosis is usually made clinically.  Self-diagnosis of dengue in a malarious area could be very dangerous – All illnesses with fever should be considered to be malaria until proven otherwise. In places with good medical facilities a blood test can be done at 8 days after the onset of fever to confirm the diagnosis.  It can be useful if you are a long-term or recurrent traveller to know if you have had dengue as subsequent episodes should be monitored more closely for complications

Prevention, as with all insect-borne diseases, is by using insect repellent (containing DEET), covering up with clothing where possible and sleeping/resting under a mosquito net impregnated with permethrin

AFRICAN TRYPANOSOMIASIS (sleeping sickness)
Prevalence: Patchy distribution in sub-Saharan Africa
African trypanosomiasis is a potentially lethal disease caused by a microscopic parasite spread by tsetse flies.  These flies are large, brown and give a painful bite, often resulting in a boil on the skin if the fly is carrying the parasite.  In different parts of Africa the flies favour either shady riverside habitats or the bases of tree trunks in the savannah regions.  An important feature of the disease is swollen glands, especially on the neck, accompanied by fever, headaches and joint pain.  Use insect repellent (50% DEET) and wear long, loose clothing to prevent being bitten by tsetse flies

SOUTH AMERICAN TRYPANOSOMIASIS (Chagas’ disease)
Prevalence: Mexico, Central and South America
South American trypanosomiasis is transmitted by ‘kissing bugs’ that feed by sucking blood when you are asleep, often from your face.  Parasites are passed out of the bug not in saliva but in faeces, and you become infected if you scratch the bite and rub the faeces into the wound.  The bite is surprisingly painless even though the bug may feed for more than 10 minutes.  The bugs typically live in the cracks of mud huts or in thatched roofs, but they also live behind furniture and pictures on the wall.  The disease is serious in that, if undiagnosed or untreated in the acute phase (the first few weeks), damage to the heart and digestive system is irreversible and can lead to health problems in the future.  It is strongly advised that you do not sleep in rural dwellings in Latin America without an insecticide-treated bed net, and make sure you tuck it under your mattress!

LEISHMANIASIS
Prevalence: Patchy distribution worldwide
Leishmaniasis embraces a range of diseases caused by different types of microscopic parasites and they occur in many countries of the world.  All are spread by sandflies, which are smaller than mosquitoes and are quite hairy

• The most serious is visceral leishmaniasis, which can be lethal if untreated.  Symptoms include fever, anaemia, weight loss, and enlarged liver and spleen
  
• Less serious is mucocutaneous leishmaniasis, only present in Central and South America, which causes a skin ulcer and spreads to disfigure the nose and throat
  
• Least serious is cutaneous leishmaniasis which causes self-healing ulcers, often leaving a scar

Sandflies bite from dusk throughout the night and insect repellent should be used.  If you are going to a known endemic area, consider buying a sandfly net, which is a finer mesh than a mosquito net and will keep out sandflies.  Make sure it is insecticide-impregnated every 6 months with permethrin.  If you develop a skin ulcer that persists, or the symptoms of visceral leishmaniasis, seek medical attention

ONCHOCERCIASIS (River Blindness)
Prevalence: Patchy distribution in equatorial Africa and equatorial Latin America
Onchocerciasis is a chronic disease caused by small parasitic worms which are transmitted by the bite of black flies which live near rivers.  The worms take up residence in your skin, producing itchy skin and nodules.  They also show a preference for the eye but blindness only occurs after many years of infection.  If you are concerned see a doctor on your return

LYMPHATIC FILARIASIS
Prevalence: South-East Asia, India, Equatorial Africa, some parts of Latin America
Lymphatic filariasis is a parasitic infection which initially causes fever and inflammation of the skin.  When chronic the disease affects the lymphatic system which results in swelling, usually of the legs.  It occurs mainly in the least developed countries of the world and usually travellers are not at high risk.  The parasitic worms are spread by mosquitoes which bite at night, so use a good insect repellent containing DEET and an insecticide-treated mosquito net

PLAGUE
Prevalence: Isolated foci in Africa, Asia and Latin America
Plague is fortunately rare.  It is spread through the bite of infected rodent fleas.  Don’t lose any sleep about this but use insect repellent (containing DEET) if you are staying in very rough, rural housing.  If you develop a large, red, painful boil in your groin or armpit, see a doctor soon

LEPTOSPIROSIS
Prevalence: Worldwide distribution
Leptospirosis is a bacterial disease spread through animal urine, usually from the rat.  It can be lethal but unless you will be working in sewers you will probably be at low risk of the disease.  However, if you are working in rural areas or shanty towns, especially in the rainy season, don’t mess about in the flood water and cover any cuts and grazes with waterproof dressings

SOIL-MEDIATED PARASITIC WORMS
Prevalence: Very common in the tropics
Be aware of washing your hands before you eat and don’t go barefoot as some worms will penetrate your skin.  See your GP if you have any intestinal symptoms that continue on your return to the UK, and let them know where you have travelled to

CUTANEOUS LARVA MIGRANS
Prevalence: Southeast Asia, Latin America, and the Caribbean basin
Cutaneous larva migrans is a characteristic itchy creeping skin eruption, usually of the foot. It is due most commonly to a dog or pig hookworm, passed in faeces. The worm can enter your skin when walking barefoot in sand or dirt in the tropics. Treatment is by medication (even though this is a self-limiting disease with the larva dying and the lesions resolving - but this can take from 4 weeks to 1 year)

MYIASIS
Prevalence: Worldwide distribution
A rather unpleasant boil with a little surprise in store. The Bot fly lays an egg under the skin and the larva feasts on your subcutaneous tissues. A reactive boil forms but the larva has formidable hooks which allow it to prevent efforts to removal by squeezing it out. The technique for removal is to coat the area in a thick layer of Vaseline and wait for it to come up for air, whereupon it can be grabbed!

RIFT VALLEY FEVER
Prevalence: Kenya, Tanzania and Somalia
Rift Valley Fever is a viral disease primarily affecting domestic animals including cattle, sheep and goats.  It can be transmitted to humans via mosquito bites or through contact with body fluids (including milk) and meat of infected animals.  The majority of cases experience a brief flu-like illness but the disease can progress and become fatal.  Avoid insect bites using insect repellent (containing DEET), long, loose clothing and consider buying a bed-net impregnated with insecticide.  Boil fresh milk, cook meat thoroughly and avoid direct contact with raw meat.

CHIKUNGUNYA VIRUS
Prevalence: India, Sri Lanka, Indian Ocean Islands, Africa
Chikungunya Virus, like Dengue Fever, is spread by day-biting Aedes mosquitoes.  The illness presents as rapid onset on joint pains, muscle pain, high fever, conjunctivitis and rash.  Avoid mosquito bites by using DEET insect repellent, long, loose clothing and consider buying a bed-net impregnated with insecticide

SCHISTOSOMIASIS (Bilharzia)
Prevalence: Africa (90% of cases), some parts of Latin America and South-East Asia
Schistosomiasis is a disease caused by blood flukes acquired when wading or swimming in infested fresh water lakes and streams.  When you are in the water, microscopic parasites burrow through your skin and migrate through your body until they come to their final destination in the veins of the bowel or bladder.  Light infections may pass unnoticed but more severe infections may cause blood in the urine or faeces, together with other symptoms.   Avoid swimming in freshwater lakes or rivers, or if you do, request a blood test 12 weeks after returning from your trip. In addition It is wise never to go barefoot, but to wear protective footwear when out, even on the beach. Other diseases and parasites can be caught from sand and soil, particularly wet soil

WHEN YOU RETURN

Have you been travelling to tropical or sub-tropical countries over the summer? If so we strongly advise you to make an appointment with a Practice Nurse to arrange for a screening stool culture and a full blood count. This is to check that you haven't picked up any diseases or travelling companions. If you have been travelling and have returned feeling unwell, especially with an unexplained fever or prolonged diarrhoea you should make an appointment with a doctor

If you have been to Africa, South America or South-East Asia, and have been swimming in fresh water lakes and steams, you will need screening for Schistosomiasis. Make an appointment with a Practice Nurse 12 weeks after after your return

Maintain a high degree of suspicion of Malaria if you develop any flu-like illness (characterised by fever, headache, joint aches etc)

Travel occasionally brings some negative experiences. Please seek support for any unresolved issues from whomever you feel most comfortable with: friends / family / doctor or counselling services

MEDICAL ELECTIVES

Please read all of the above information about planning your trip and maintaining your health on your elective, BUT please pay extra attention to the following topics:

• MEDICAL INDEMNITY
  Contact MPS or MDU and arrange an elective study indemnity policy
• SCHISTOSOMIASIS (link to section above)
• MALARIA (link to section above)
• PSYCHOLOGICAL PROBLEMS
  Be prepared for cultural differences and also for the possibility of witnessing distressing medical scenarios including deaths that may be easily preventable in a UK hospital setting
• HIV PEP (Post exposure prophylaxis)
  This is a link to download a PowerPoint presentation prepared by Dr Pam Mellors. It will help you determine whether you need to take your own HIV-PEP with you on your elective.
  If you think you will need HIV-PEP on your elective please contact Dr Pam Mellors at Occupational Health.
• SPECIALIST TRAINING
  Objective Travel Safety runs regular courses specifically designed for students planning gap year travel. View our page containing more information about these courses

LINKS TO RELEVANT WEB SITES

TRAVEL HEALTH LINKS

Aviation Health Institute www.aviation-health.org
Centre for Infectious diseases - Travellers' Health www.cdc.gov/travel/
International Society of Travel Medicine www.istm.org/ (This has a travel clinic directory and has a list of most countries with names and contact details of health providers who speak English and other languages)
Malaria Foundation International www.malaria.org/
Malaria Hotspots www.malariahotspots.co.uk/
MASTA Medical Advice Centres for Travellers Abroad www.masta-travel-health.com
NOMAD Online travel shop including sterile medical kits
Travel Health On-Line www.tripprep.com/
Travel Medicine www.travmed.com/
TravelTurtle www.travelturtle.co.uk/TravelHealthAdvice.aspx
Tropical Medicine Bureau www.tmb.ie/


GOVERNMENT LINKS

CIA World factbook www.odci.gov/cia/publications/factbook/index.html
Department of Health Advice for Travellers www.doh.gov.uk/PolicyAndGuidance/healthadviceForTravellers
Fit for Travel www.fitfortravel.scot.nhs.uk/
Foreign Office www.fco.gov.uk/
Health Protection Agency www.phls.co.uk/
NATHNAC (National Travel Health Network and Centre) www.nathnac.org/
The Meteorological Office www.met-office.gov.uk/
United Nations Web Site www.un.org/
WHO (World Health Organisation) www.who.int/
WHO Immunisation Schedules Country by Country www-nt.who.int/vaccines/globalsummary/pgs2000.cfm
WHO Tropical Diseases Images & information www.who.int/tdr/media/image.html


HIGH ALTITUDE LINKS

High Altitude Medicine www.high-altitude-medicine.com
Himalayan Trekking Information http://trekinfo.com/index.html
Oral contraceptives & high altitude www.thebmc.co.uk/world/mm/mm11.htm
The British Mountaineering Council www.thebmc.co.uk/


DIVING LINKS

Diving Diseases Research Centre www.ddrc.org/
Diving Medicine On Line www.scuba-doc.com/
PADI www.padi.com
The Marine Conservation Society www.mcsuk.mcmail.com/
The Travel Doctor - Scuba page www.traveldoctor.co.uk/scuba.htm


GENERAL INTEREST LINKS

Adventure Travel Information http://activetravel.about.com/travel/activetravel/?once=true&
Insurance (cheap travel insurance policies for under 40s, can be done Via Internet & e-mail, as late as 24hrs before departure) www.leadedge.co.uk
Lonely Planet On Line www.lonelyplanet.com/
National Geographic www.nationalgeographic.com/
Objective Travel Safety Ltd www.objectivegapsafety.com
Travelmag - magazine www.travelmag.co.uk/
Wanderlust - magazine www.wanderlust.co.uk
World Outdoor Web www.w-o-w.com/

MALARIA LINKS

Malaria Prevention guidelines www.hpa.org.uk/cdph/issues/CDPHvol6/No3/6(3)p180-99.pdf
Prophylaxis - long term traveller www.hpa.org.uk/cdph/issues/CDPHvol6/No3/6(3)p200-208.pdf
Health Protection Agency www.hpa.org.uk/infections/topics_az/malaria/menu.htm

Advice to users

Contact the Web Master

Last revision: February 2012