Health Measures for Travellers

Many of us are going to travel overseas during the Chinese New Year. To help ensure that you and your family stay healthy during and after your trip, we have prepared a brief check-list of what-to-do and what-not-to-do for your information.

Before the trip
If necessary, discuss with your family doctor about your medical problems and vaccinations which you may need.

During the trip
Food and personal hygiene

• wash hands before eating and after going to toilets
• take only thoroughly cooked food
• drink only boiled or bottled water
• avoid drinks prepared with ice of unknown origin
• avoid ready-peeled fruits
• avoid food from street-side unlicensed food hawkers

Anti-mosquito measures

• stay in air-conditioned rooms or those protected by screens
• use a mosquito net over the bed when available
• avoid being outdoors between dusk and dawn for prevention of Malaria; and daytime for prevention of Dengue Fever
• while outdoors, wear long-sleeved clothing
• apply insect repellent containing DEET (N, N-diethyl-3-benzamide) to exposed skin

Avian Influenza
In view of the recent outbreak of Avian Influenza in Asia and other places of the world, travellers should take the following additional measures:

• avoid going to zoo or farm with poultry and birds
• wash hands immediately with soap after contact with poultry or birds
• cook poultry and eggs thoroughly before eating

Others

• avoid casual sex or use condoms at least
• don't forget the rules of road safety - traffic accidents are the leading cause of death among travelers
• be careful when participating in high-risk activities like sky diving, shooting rapids, trekking etc.

After the trip
If you have fever, rash, diarrhoea, vomiting or feel unwell upon returning, consult a doctor and tell your doctor where you have been.

For more detailed information on travel health, please visit the website of Travel Health Service (http://www.travelhealth.gov.hk/eindex.html) of the Department of Health.

Remember guys, safety comes first. Have a pleasant trip!

(Last Updated on 27-01-2006)