What you should know about Travel-Related Diseases

What can I do to prevent travel-related diseases?

Learn about your destination, including the health risks relating to your trip.
Visit your doctor or a travel medicine specialist, ideally 4 to 6 weeks before departing.
Talk to your doctor about how to protect yourself from illness and injury while travelling.
Take vaccines if any are recommended or required.
If you are visiting a maleria-risk area, be sure to continue taking your antimalarial drug for 4 weeks (doxycycline or mefloquine) or 7 days (atovaquone/proguanil - discuss with doctor) after leaving the risk area.
Remember to pack all regular prescription medications, plus any recommended medications, insect repellents, and other supplies.
Be careful about food and water, and wash your hands often with soap and water.

Diarrhea and a fever above 39°C.
Bloody diarrhoea
Fever or flu-like illness if you are visiting a maleria-risk area.
An animal bite or scratch.
Serious injury, car accident or sexual assault.
If you think you may need emergency assistance, contact the local Australian Embassy or Consulate for advice.

Fever
Persistent gastrointestinal illness (diarrhea, stomach cramps, nausea)
Symptoms of respiratory infection (sinus congestion, sore throat, cough, shortness of breath)
Skin lesions or rashes
If you develop a fever or flu-like illness for up to 1 year after you return home from a maleria-risk area. It is really important to tell your doctor your travel history.

If you do not feel well after a trip, make sure to mention to your doctor that you have recently travelled.