We often think we’re safe when travelling surrounded by others or sharing facilities, but there’s a world of hidden dangers (and microbes), says Dr Jane Wilson-Howarth.
CROWD RISKS
Joining in at a street festival brings you into close contact with lots of people. Fortunately, apart from the obvious risks of getting lost or squashed, the chances of catching an infectious disease are minute. Diseases acquired by living in confined, poor accommodation, including tuberculosis and leprosy, are not spread through fleeting contact of the sort travellers experience. There may be risk of meningococcal disease or influenza, for which there are excellent vaccines.
Busy markets and other dizzying presses of humanity can have you imagining there is a huge risk of infection. I have certainly been guilty of over-thinking risks during disease outbreaks. This is one excellent reason to be as fully immunised as possible – check www.fitfortravel.nhs.uk for all outbreak information.
It is also crucial to ensure you have good travel insurance that includes a travel assistance helpline number. Buying a local SIM card allows easier access to a local ambulance service, if one exists, and it is also a good idea to travel with a thermometer. If you fear you have acquired a nasty tropical disease, you can then check your temperature; if it is below 38°C, you can be confident that this is unlikely to be anything serious.
OLD HOTELS & HOMESTAYS
This story is from the July/August 2018 edition of Wanderlust Travel Magazine.
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This story is from the July/August 2018 edition of Wanderlust Travel Magazine.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Vermont, USA
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A new dawn for the Garifuna community
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On the edge of history
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Tigers burning bright
As India celebrates 50 years of its Project Tiger conservation scheme, we visit the reserves of Madhya Pradesh to see how its success has impacted a tiger population that once looked in danger of disappearing
SEASON'S GREETINGS
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Waking a sleeping GIANT
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The rebirth of old JEDDAH
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Star-studded escapes
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