Travel Health

Before you travel

Health risks vary depending on where you are going so it is important to check up to date advice before your trip. You can find country-specific health information on the TravelHealthPro website. 

Vaccination is one of the best ways to protect yourself when travelling. Make sure your routine UK vaccinations are up to date and check if you need any travel vaccines. Ideally, arrange this 4–6 weeks before you leave so vaccines have time to work. You can arrange vaccinations through your local pharmacy, GP or travel clinic. Some travel vaccines including polio, typhoid, hepatitis A and cholera are free on the NHS. For more information, visit the NHS travel vaccinations page.

Before travelling, make sure all family members are up to date with routine vaccinations, not just those recommended for your destination. Many countries have higher rates of vaccine-preventable diseases than the UK, and international travel increases the risk of exposure to diseases uncommon here. Speak to your GP to check everyone is protected. For information on routine vaccine clinics for children across Suffolk, see the childhood vaccinations page.

It’s also important to take a few simple steps to help you stay well while you are away:

• Take enough medication for your trip, with extra in case of delays

• Pack a few essentials such as pain relief and insect repellent

• Check your travel insurance includes healthcare cover

If you’re travelling to an area where malaria is a risk, you may need tablets to prevent it (antimalarials). Get advice before you travel and take them as prescribed. It is best to get these before travelling, as medicines bought abroad may not be reliable. 

Protecting yourself during your visit

In some countries, mosquitoes and other insects can spread diseases such as malaria, dengue and Zika. Avoiding bites is an important way to protect yourself.

• Use insect repellent (ideally up to 50% DEET) on exposed skin

• Wear long-sleeved clothing and trousers where possible

• Sleep under a treated mosquito net if advised

• Take antimalarial tablets as prescribed if needed

For more advice visit the UKHSA mosquito bite avoidance page.   

Food and water can also carry infection, so take care with what you eat and drink.

• Drink bottled or treated water where advised

• Avoid ice unless you are sure it is safe

• Choose food that is freshly cooked and served hot

• Avoid raw or undercooked meat and unpasteurised (raw) milk or dairy products

Washing your hands regularly, especially during eating, is one of the simplest and most effective ways to stay well.

Protect yourself from the sun.

• Use sunscreen

• Wear a hat

• Cover up with suitable clothing and sunglasses

• Stay in the shade during the hottest part of the day

• Drink plenty of fluids

For more advice visit the NHS sunscreen and sun safety page.