Top 5 Countries People Forget To Prepare For- And Why Its Important That You Should.

When planning a trip abroad, it’s easy to assume that travel health preparation is only necessary for long-haul or remote destinations. However, many popular and frequently visited countries still carry health risks that are often overlooked. Taking a few simple steps before you travel, including checking recommended vaccinations, can help protect your health and ensure your trip is memorable for the right reasons.

1)Thailand

Thailand is the first on the list, Thailand is a hugely popular tourist destination with well-developed resorts and healthcare facilities, which can create a false sense of security.

Popular risks at the famous tourist destination include hepatitis A, typhoid, tetnus, rabies, hepatitis B and dengue fever. This becomes more of a risk when visiting rural areas, interacting with the countries animals or visiting different islands. Even staying in the country for a short period of time poses risks to tourists.

2)Mexico

Outside of resort areas, the risk of hepatitis A, typhoid, tetanus and gastrointestinal infections are very high risk in Mexico. Food and water hygiene standards can vary, and travellers may also be exposed through excursions or local dining. Vaccines also help prevent diseases not common in your home country, ensuring you stay healthy during your trip.

3)Indonesia

Indonesia carries risks of hepatitis A, typhoid, tetanus rabies, hepatitis B and mosquito-borne illnesses such as dengue, chikugunya and Japanese encephalitis. Rabies exposure from stray animals is a genuine concern, even in the tourist areas. Although the country is beautiful and a great tourist spot, many tourists forget the risks associated with Indonesia and travel vaccines tend to go without a second thought.

4)India

People who travel to India often think they will be safe if they stay vigilant with what they are eating and drinking whilst visiting the country, however this is NOT the case. India is one of the most riskiest places to travel without vaccinations as it rife for various infectious diseases, many of which can lead to hospitalization or long-term illness. Key risks include waterborne, food-borne, and vector-borne diseases. Without the recommended vaccine's upon travelling patients are at risk of long term health effects, insurance issues and in more serious cases life threatening symptoms.

5)Brazil

Brazil is known for its serious tropical diseases such as Yellow fever, Typhoid and hepatitis A. Not only is Brazil a beautiful and well visited tourist destination with its amazing culture, food and magnificent beaches it is also a country that does indeed have entry requirements. Although not strictly required for direct travel from the UK, a yellow fever certificate may be required if arriving from, or traveling to, other specific countries. Travelers are often denied entry to onward destinations because they don't realize Brazil triggers yellow fever certificate requirements. Avoid the risks of becoming seriously ill and check with your local vaccination centre before travelling.

In summary....

Countries like Thailand, India, Brazil, Mexico, and Indonesia are incredible places to explore however they also carry very real health risks that are often invisible until in some cases it's too late. Many of the illnesses /diseases travellers contract abroad don’t come from being reckless they come from the everyday experiences that we all love to do when travelling to a foreign country like eating local food, taking public transport, or interacting with the local animals.

The biggest issue isn’t that travellers refuse vaccines. It’s that they don’t realize they need them early enough. Ideally try and book eight weeks before, in case you need a course of vaccines, for single dose vaccines they should be given at least 7-10 days before but can be given up to the day before for some protection.

If you have an upcoming holiday or would like some advice on the various different travel vaccines we offer, please click here where you can book an online travel consultation. Alternatively call us on 01708 477 577.

-Best Health Clinics