General Practice
Travel health basics
Planning ahead for vaccines, malaria areas and a sensible travel kit.
4 min read
What it is
Travel advice depends on where you are going, when, and what you will be doing. Some vaccines need several weeks to take effect, and malaria prophylaxis usually needs to start before you leave, so a consultation four to six weeks before departure is ideal. Popular Southern African destinations including the Lowveld, northern KwaZulu-Natal, Mozambique and Zambia carry malaria risk in the wet season.
What to look for
Fever after returning from a malaria area is an emergency until proven otherwise
Traveller's diarrhoea in the first days is common and usually self-limiting
Sensible things to do at home
- Cover up at dusk and dawn, use repellent and sleep under a treated net in malaria areas
- Drink bottled or treated water where the supply is uncertain
- Pack rehydration sachets, paracetamol, plasters and your chronic medicines in hand luggage
- Carry a copy of your prescriptions for anything you travel with
When to see us
- Four to six weeks before travel for vaccines and prophylaxis
- Any fever within three months of returning from a malaria area
- Diarrhoea with blood, or lasting more than three days
- If you have a chronic condition and want a travel plan for it
To book, phone the practice on 058 813 2777 or send us a message. In an emergency, go to the nearest emergency department or call 10177.