Before the trip:

• Arrange a pre-travel consultation at least 6 weeks in advance

  • If you have any medical problems, you have to discuss with your family doctor before travel.
  • Make a record of the medicines you are using.
  • You are recommended to be up-to-date on routine vaccines and seasonal influenza vaccine. Other recommended vaccines may include yellow fever (Yellow fever is endemic in certain parts of Brazil, such as Manaus and Brasilia where some of the stadiums are located and Iguassu Falls which is a popular tourist spot and some South American countries may require proof of yellow fever vaccination as a condition of entry), hepatitis A and hepatitis B, typhoid fever, rabies etc.
  • Antimalarial drugs may be needed.
  • Tell the doctor about any allergies you may have before receiving the vaccine.

• Purchase medical insurance

• Monitor Outbound Travel Alerts

During the trip:

• Maintain good food and personal hygiene

  • Consuming unclean food and water can cause illness such as hepatitis A, typhoid fever and traveller’s diarrhea.
  • Always wash hands before eating and after going to toilets.
  • Take only thoroughly cooked food.
  • Avoid partially cooked seafood including shellfish.
  • Drink only boiled water or bottled drinks by reputable companies, and pasterurised milk or dairy products.
  • Avoid drinks prepared by ice of unknown origin.
  • Avoid peeled fruits and vegetables not thoroughly cleaned.
  • Do not patronise street-side unlicensed food hawkers.

• Avoid mosquito-borne diseases

  • Mosquito can transmit diseases such as yellow fever, dengue fever and malaria.
  • Adopt personal protection measures against mosquito bites which are listed as follows:
    • Always wear loose, light-coloured long-sleeved tops and trousers;
    • Rest in air-conditioned or well-screened rooms;
    • Use aerosol insecticide indoor and use bed nets if sleeping areas are not air-conditioned or screened.
    • Use insect repellents containing DEET on exposed skin and clothings;
    • If travelling in endemic rural areas, carry a portable bed net and apply permethrin on it as well as to clothes.

• Avoid animal bites

  • The bite of a rabid animal, especially dogs, bats, and foxes can lead to rabies.
  • Avoid contact with wild or stray animals.
  • When bitten by an animal, seek medical advice immediately at the nearest health care facility.

• Reduce risk of sexually transmitted diseases

  • Beware of the dangers of casual sex while you are abroad.
  • Using condoms correctly provides some protection from getting those sexually transmitted diseases but the golden rule is to refrain from promiscuity and never have sex with strangers.

• Safeguard your personal safety and avoid accidents

  • Do not travel at night, avoid questionable areas and travel with a companion if possible.
  • Traffic accidents are the leading cause of death among travellers.
  • Those hiring vehicles should check carefully the insurance coverage, as well as the state of the tyres, safety belts, lights, brakes, etc.
  • Avoid night driving.
  • Do not drive for long distance on the road without intermittent rest.

• Avoid swimming in fresh water

  • Avoid bathing in fresh water rivers and lakes in the tropics which may be infested with parasites (schistosomiasis) that can penetrate the skin and cause illness.

• Beware of hot climates

  • Exposure to extreme high temperature may cause illnesses.
  • Adopt protective measures against sunburn.
  • In high temperature and humid environment, excessive exercise can lead to loss of body fluid and salt, causing the person to become exhausted. Travellers should prepare enough drinking water for replenishment, in order to avoid heat-stroke.
  • Senior citizens perspire less and are more susceptible to suffer from heat-stroke in hot weather. They should avoid sun exposure at noon, remain in shady and cool place (may wear wide-brimmed hats), and take more rest.

After the trip:

• • For those who have been prescribed antimalarial drugs, you should continue to take the medication according to the instruction of the doctor.
  • Seek medical attention if feeling unwell during travel or after return, inform doctor of recent travel history.