Travel smart to avoid infectious diseases

Australians are putting themselves at risk of contracting potentially serious infectious diseases while travelling abroad.

Researchers from the University of Sydney’s Family Medicine Research Centre have found more than three-in-five Australians are not seeking professional health advice before travelling overseas, with many visiting destinations carrying a risk of infectious diseases, including hepatitis A and B, typhoid fever and rabies.

Doctors will be addressing the myth that travelling ‘5-star’ protects you from travel-related illnesses today, Wednesday, October 3, by issuing international travellers with a travel health warning – seek professional health advice before venturing overseas.

To learn more about the new research and collaborative call to heighten travellers’ understanding of the importance of seeking pre-travel health advice, tee up an interview with a travel doctor and/or experienced traveller.

Infectious travel-related diseases 3D animation from VIVA! Communications on Vimeo.

(Source: Viva Communications)

More information

For more information on immunisation, including the childhood immunisation scedule, types of vaccines, preconception screening, as well as some useful videos, see Immunisation.