Medical Travel Tips in Cairns

Travellers’ diarrhoea is one of the most common medical issues for those who travel to developing countries. It can ruin your holiday and leave you bound to your hotel room. Diarrhoea occurs in 60 percent of all travellers and is caused by ingesting contaminated food and water. Diarrhoea can be prevented with vaccination, good personal hygiene, water filters and early treatment.

Japanese encephalitis is a rare but serious viral infection transmitted by mosquitoes throughout Asia. The virus is spread by migratory birds to pigs. People may also be infected and the consequences are serious with a 30 percent mortality rate and with 50 percent of survivors experiencing neurological damage. You can be proactive about prevention through insect protection measures and vaccination.

Rabies is a viral infection transmitted by the saliva of infected animals such as dogs, cats, bats and monkeys when a person is bitten, scratched or licked. Rabies is found throughout most countries of the world and if left untreated, is always fatal. Pre-exposure vaccination is recommended for travel or residency to high-risk countries.

Rabies-infected bites in Bali has been an ongoing challenge to both the local populace and visitors since 2008. Since 2015, there have been 15 rabies deaths as a result of dog bites. The most recent death occurred in September and was a consequence of no available supply of the rabies vaccine. The rabies pre-exposure vaccine is available and recommended for travel to high-risk regions of the world.

Yellow fever is a viral disease spread by mosquitoes and is found in many countries in Africa and Central and South America. Yellow fever has a high mortality rate in unvaccinated individuals and is required by many countries before entry or Visas are granted. Some countries require a valid Yellow fever certificate even if you transit from an infected country.

Malaria is a serious and potentially fatal mosquito-transmitted parasitic infection. It is found in many tropical and sub-tropical countries. There is no vaccination for malaria, but you can prevent contracting the infection through good insect protective measures and oral medication. 

Medication helps reduce the risk of infection and death from malaria. Side effects from medication require appropriate selection for each person.

Hepatitis A is a viral infection of the liver spread by person to person contact or through contaminated food and water. Hepatitis A infection occurs worldwide but is most common in developing countries. Symptoms occur up to six weeks after infection and cause fever, fatigue, flu type symptoms and jaundice. Prevention is through good food and water precautions, hygiene measures and vaccination.

Typhoid fever is a bacterial infection of the gut spread from food and water contaminated with faecal matter from an infected human carrier. It is a common infection in developing countries and infection may take up to a month before symptoms occur. Prevention is through good food and water precautions, hygiene measures and vaccination.

Clean drinking water can be difficult to find when travelling. Many people purchase bottled water but this contributes to pollution and may not be as clean as the label implies. Treating water can be as simple as prolonged boiling, chemical disinfection, ultraviolet light treatment or portable filters. All methods have their degree of success and failure. When travelling, it is important to be prepared.

Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) occurs when the blood pools in the large pelvic and lower leg veins and clots. Prolonged immobilisation from sitting on an aircraft, bus, train or car can increase the risk of DVT.

There are many medical conditions associated with increased risk of DVT such as obesity, cancer, surgery and pregnancy. Symptoms include pelvic and lower leg pain, swelling and discolouration. Prevention is available for those at risk.

Colds, flu, sinus and chest infections are frequent health hazards encountered when travelling. These infections can cause secondary problems with ear barotrauma when flying and scuba diving along with unplanned downtime in your hotel. Respiratory illness can be prevented through careful pre-travel planning, good hand-washing and a preventative vaccination.