Common problems that travellers encounter, such as stomach upsets and those from insect bites, can be prevented by taking simple precautions.
These include such things as good hygiene and safe food preparation practices, drinking (and using) only treated or clean water, avoiding being bitten by various insects and worms, and getting vaccinated and taking pills to prevent diseases.
Clean water and water treatment
Everyone needs a minimum of about two and a half litres or just over half a gallon of clean water a day. In hot climates while doing things like carrying a backpack, hiking or just walking [...]
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Diphtheria
Found – rare in developed countries due to vaccination, but is still endemic in developing countries and the former states of the USSR.
Vaccine is recommended for those who will be in close contact with infected people in endemic areas.
Cause – a disease of close contact, a bacterial illness transmitted through droplets in the air.
Symptoms – sore throat and fever. Can be life-threatening.
Prevention – by updating your diphtheria vaccine.
Tetanus
Found – rare in developed countries due to vaccination.
Prevention – by the tetanus vaccine. A booster is recommended every ten years, perhaps even every five years for developing world [...]
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A vaccination certificate may be required if you have previously visited areas where specific diseases are widespread or when visiting countries where there are increased health risks for travellers. This is usually a yellow card which is like an international certificate of vaccination or medical passport.
The Yellow Fever section of the certificate is probably the most important part. If you aren’t going to or coming from countries where Yellow Fever is endemic (areas of Africa and South America), then you may not need one. Check with your doctor (or other websites such as the WHO or [...]
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