Nobody wants to get sick on an overseas holiday! Much as travel insurance has freed us to truly enjoy other countries, including their rivers, food and people without the risk of coming home tens of thousands of dollars in debt from medical bills, prevention is always better than cure. The health landscape worldwide is constantly changing, as new strains of disease evolve and find resistance to current treatments, so it is important to check out current events in the world health area before you leave the country. Today we look at what you should be aware of, for travel insurance and vaccination purposes, if you are travelling overseas during summer 2009/2010.

General Travel Health, Summer 2009/10

Managing your health varies widely from place to place in the world. A lot of us tend to assume that because the local people have survived relatively unscathed, that we will too. This is sometimes right - however in many cases local people have built up years of immune resistance to particular bugs. In some cases, the people that could not survive the pathogens in a particular area simply died as children. Here is some general health advice for travelling overseas in summer 2009/2010:

Always see a doctor several months prior to leaving and get all recommended vaccinations for the region you are travelling to.

Always get medical travel insurance.

If you have a pre-existing condition, have a checkup with your doctor and devise a written management plan.

If you need to take your own medication overseas, you will need a letter of authority to carry it from your host country.

Apply insect repellent regularly, stay away from local domestic animals, and follow rules for safe eating and drinking and safe sex.

Dengue Fever

Queensland has seen a major dengue outbreak over summer 2009/2010, and Cape Verde and Senegal have seen their first ever dengue outbreak (up to 1000 cases per day have been reported). If you are travelling from Queensland, it may be wise to carry a certificate of vaccination for dengue even if the country you are travelling to doesn't usually have it. This will help you avoid logistics-related travel insurance claims.

Rabies

A rabies outbreak has been recently reported in Bali, and in Ghana several people have died from the disease. A post exposure vaccination is not available, and even people simply spending time bicycling and walking in rural areas could contract the disease.

Cholera

In Malaysia and Papua New Guinea, there have been several cases of cholera reported. In Malaysia one source is thought to be contaminated fish used to make crackers - what would usually be assumed to be a safe food. Six ice factories have also been ordered closed. This disease is vaccine preventable - if you have your needle you'll be saved the hassle of claiming on your travel insurance.

Yellow Fever

Yellow fever has gained a foothold in Brazil, where seven people have so far died and dozens more have been diagnosed with the disease. While Brazil doesn't require that travelers into the country are vaccinated against yellow fever, it is strongly recommended. Holiday insurance might cover your pocketbook, but it won't stop your trip being ruined!

Swine Flu Update

Some countries might impose quarantine measures if you are travelling with flu-like symptoms - a level of travel insurance cover that provides protection against logistical events is advisable if you have a cold or flu, so that you don't lose out by missing a booking. You can be vaccinated against swine flu in Australia if you wish.

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