Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Influenza
Present year-round in the tropics, influenza (flu) symptoms include high fever, muscle aches, runny nose, cough and
sore throat. Flu is the most common vaccine-preventable disease contracted by travellers and everyone should consider
vaccination. There is no specific treatment, just rest and paracetamol. Complications such as bronchitis or middle-ear in-
fection may require antibiotic treatment.
Leptospirosis
Leptospirosis is contracted from exposure to infected surface water - most commonly after river rafting or canyoning.
Early symptoms are very similar to flu and include headache and fever. It can vary from a very mild ailment to a fatal
disease. Diagnosis is made through blood tests and it is easily treated with Doxycycline.
Malaria
There is an enormous amount of misinformation concerning malaria. Malaria is caused by a parasite transmitted by the
bite of an infected mosquito. The most important symptom of malaria is fever, but general symptoms such as headache,
diarrhoea, cough or chills may also occur - the same symptoms as many other infections. A diagnosis can only be made
by taking a blood sample.
Most parts of Thailand visited by tourists, particularly city and resort areas, have minimal to no risk of malaria, and
the risk of side effects from taking antimalarial tablets is likely to outweigh the risk of getting the disease itself. If you
are travelling to high-risk rural areas (unlikely for most visitors), seek medical advice on the right medication and
dosage for you.
Measles
This highly contagious viral infection is spread through coughing and sneezing. Most people born before 1966 are im-
mune as they had the disease in childhood. Measles starts with a high fever and rash and can be complicated by pneu-
monia and brain disease. There is no specific treatment. Ensure you are fully vaccinated.
Rabies
This disease, fatel if untreated, is spread by the bite or lick of an infected animal - most commonly a dog or monkey.
You should seek medical advice immediately after any animal bite and commence postexposure treatment. Having a
pretravel vaccination means the postbite treatment is greatly simplified.
If an animal bites you, gently wash the wound with soap and water, and apply iodine-based antiseptic. If you are not
prevaccinated you will need to receive rabies immunoglobulin as soon as possible, followed by five shots of vaccine
over 28 days. If prevaccinated you need just two shots of vaccine given three days apart.
STDs
Sexually transmitted diseases most common in Thailand include herpes, warts, syphilis, gonorrhoea and chlamydia.
People carrying these diseases often have no signs of infection. Condoms will prevent gonorrhoea and chlamydia but
not warts or herpes. If after a sexual encounter you develop any rash, lumps, discharge or pain when passing urine seek
immediate medical attention. If you have been sexually active during your travels have an STD check on your return
home.
