Avoid infectious diseases

NHS Choices Medical Reference

Travelling abroad to different climates and environments can expose you to disease and health risks.

Water and food safety

• Don't drink tap water or use it to brush your teeth in countries with poor sanitation. Use filtered or bottled water instead.
• Don't put ice in drinks. Bottled fizzy drinks with an intact seal are usually safe, and so are boiled water and hot drinks made with boiled water.
• Don't eat salads, uncooked fruits and vegetables unless you've washed and peeled them yourself.
• Don't eat food that has been kept at room temperature in warm environments, or that has been exposed to flies.
• Don't drink unpasteurised milk, cheese, ice cream and other dairy products, or raw or undercooked seafood.

“You should only eat freshly prepared food that is thoroughly cooked and served piping hot,” says Professor Hill.

Avoiding insect bites

• Try not to go to highly infested areas. 
• Malaria mosquitoes bite between dusk and dawn, so being indoors during these hours can reduce the number of bites.
• Research shows that products containing the chemical DEET are the most effective insect repellents and are safe when used correctly.
• Mosquitoes can bite through tight clothing, so wear loose-fitting long trousers and long sleeves in the evenings in malaria hotspots.
• Sleep under a mosquito net to avoid being bitten at night. Carry a small sewing kit so that repairs can be made to any holes that develop.

UK residents visiting their country of origin should also be vaccinated as any immunity they may have built up previously in their native country will have eroded over time. 

The following 10 infectious diseases are a regular public health concern for UK travellers. Professor Hill explains how to reduce your risk of catching them.

Travellers' diarrhoea (TD)

The most common illness in those travelling from the UK to developing countries. TD is caused by ingesting contaminated food or water. The highest risk foods are those that have not been thoroughly heated or that have been left out at room temperature.

People with TD should drink regularly to avoid dehydration. In most cases TD will only last a few days but you may wish to pack self-treatment medications. You can reduce your risk by sticking to common sense food and water hygiene practices.