Health on the move

Business travel isn’t cheap and executives need to perform well in spite of jet lag and changing climates and time zones. Those back at base don’t want to hear that a presentation failed because the speaker didn’t feel well. In the case of important business trips, prevention is definitely better than the cure!

There are, of course, other medical risks over which we have little or no control but the recommendations issued by various official bodies, such as the World Health Organisation (WHO), should not be ignored.

The main vaccinations or prophylaxis administered either orally or by injection are:

Yellow Fever
Diphtheria
Typhoid Fever
Hepatitis A
Poliomyelitis
Tetanus
Meningitis
Japanese B Encephalitis
Malaria

All of the regulations and recommendations regarding health are explained in detail in the Columbus World Travel Guide or its sister web site www.gocoti.com. It is vital that travel buyers keep up to date with health information as endemic zones are constantly changing.

Insect repellents are an essential for those travelling to warmer or damper climes. The Belgian city of Antwerp is plagued with mosquitoes during the summer months and it’s sensible to use a repellent and wear long trousers when eating at the open-air restaurants in the evenings. Protection from mosquitoes should be taken more seriously by European travellers, as it’s anticipated that malaria will spread from Central Africa to the Mediterranean coasts over the next few years.

Travellers should also be aware that their insurance company might not cover conditions where the recommended or compulsory precautions have not been taken. A simple cut from a street sign may lead to tetanus, but this is easily avoided by having the immunisation booster every ten years. Cover for malaria is also doubtful if the traveller has not taken the necessary prophylaxis.

Planet Wise provides essential training for people travelling abroad and coves all aspects of Health and Safety, including first aid, documentation, equipment protection and hygiene. Visit www.planet-wise.co.uk for more information.

For those who’ve already had certain types of surgery, it’s important to remember that airport security has been stepped up recently and surgically implanted devices may cause an initial alarm. It’s sensible to carry a doctor’s certificate, to show airport security staff if you have had an artificial hip replacement operation. The biggest problems are for those with pacemakers, and if in doubt passengers should request a personal body search.

Finally, remember that there are millions of people in the world who are carrying highly dangerous diseases, including AIDS and Hepatitis, without even knowing it. Sexually transmitted diseases are on the increase with some cities seeing epidemic levels.

All travellers, business or leisure, should be cautious and take extreme care. In spite of all the efforts made by international authorities and medical advice to prevent illnesses abroad, the greatest precaution is to use common sense.

A little time spent in reconnaissance is seldom wasted.

• Drink bottled water and witness the seal being broken
• Avoid ice in drinks
• Avoid dehydration by drinking plenty of non-gaseous liquids
• Ensure that salads and fruits are well washed in purified water
• Avoid ‘hot’ buffets
• Exercise on long flights
• Drink alcohol in moderation or avoid it altogether