Influenza
Is a viral infection that affects nose, throat, brochi and sometimes the lungs. Pandemic H1N1 is a new virus that has been fairly widespread in recent months. It is transmitted in the same way as seasonal flu but people have no immunity to it as yet. ]
Risk areas:
Worldwide with epidemics occurring most years during cooler or winter months. (November to May in Northern hemisphere and June to October in Southern hemisphere)
Transmission:
Via droplets of infected people of cough and sneeze in the vicinity.
Symptoms:
Sudden onset of fever, aching muscles, headache, tiredness, cough and sore throat.
Treatment:
Generally most people recover within a week or two without the need for medical attention.
Vaccine:
The vaccine is normally recommended annually for the elderly and others in 'risk' categories - see below. Travellers should consider vaccination during the influenza season but must remember that this is normally during British winter months for the northern hemisphere and British summer months for the southern hemisphere.
Quick Quote!
Annual
Single Trip
Winter Sports
Dr Travel Tips
- When camping, reduce the chance of insect bites by wearing light coloured clothing and avoiding perfumes.
- This is on 'oldy but a goody': always pack a spare pair of clothes in you hand luggage just in ‘case’ the airline loses your other baggage.
- Before you travel you should call your bank and let them know where you are travelling and the dates of your trip to avoid bank card issues.
- Some tips seem obvious but return the best value, this is one. Always retain a cheery disposition wherever you are travelling, you will receive far greater service – a smile is multilingual.
- To save space in your luggage and reduce the weight should you be charged extra, take samples of toiletries rather than packing your large ‘home size’ containers.
