Doctor warns of the SIX things you need to know before you go overseas again – from rampant STDs to the ideal ‘travel kit’ and mozzie protection
- Perth-based GP, Dr Deb Cohen-Jones, noted many Aussies are now going abroad
- Said its important to be fully vaccinated and protected against mosquito
- Noted resurgance in STDs including syphilis, chlamydia and gonorrhoea
An Australian doctor has revealed the six things to consider before travelling overseas post-Covid – including being wary of rampant STDs, and making sure you carry mosquito repellent.
Perth-based GP, Dr Deb Cohen-Jones, noted many Aussies are now jetting off around the world as travel restrictions have been lifted.
In an Instagram post she said that it’s important to stay safe when you travel, and make sure you’re fully vaccinated for relevant viruses as well as getting correct protection against STDs and mosquitos.
She also noted your passport needs at least six months on it – and that renewals are taking ‘ridiculously long’ at the moment.
Perth-based GP, Dr Deb Cohen-Jones, noted many Aussies are now jetting off around the world as travel restrictions have been lifted
Flu vaccination
‘Anyone aged six months and above in Australia can now have a free flu vaccination and absolutely should do so,’ she explained.
‘The current influenza outbreak in our Eastern states is interrupting society as much as Covid did with patients having even more severe symptoms in most cases than with Covid.
‘This is an absolute must to avoid being bedridden overseas,’ she added.
In an Instagram post she said that it’s important to stay safe when you travel, and make sure you’re fully vaccinated for relevant viruses as well as getting correct protection against STDs and mosquitos
Other travel vaccinations depending on the destination
This could include typhoid and hepatitis A, Dr Cohen-Jones explained.
‘Returned travellers from Bali are already being reported,’ she said.
‘These could have been avoided with vaccination prior’.
Mosquito protection
This is particularly important if you’re travelling to popular Aussie tourist destinations like Thailand, Bali, Mauritius and Vietnam which all have Dengue fever mosquitos.
Malaria prophylaxis for travel to Africa and India amongst others
Those travelling to countries with malaria need to take relevant medicine, the doctor explained.
Arming yourself with a travel kit
Dr Cohen-Jones also advised taking a travel kit with your aboard.
This can include anti-diarrhoea and anti-nausea medications as well as any medicine you need.
STD protection
This is particularly for those younger patients going on Contiki or gap years, the doctor explained, so make sure to carry protection with you when travelling.
‘There is a resurgence in syphilis as well as ongoing high rates of chlamydia, gonorrhoea, genital herpes and warts,’ she wrote.
‘Reinforcing protected sex in all age groups as this would definitely ruin a persons holiday.
‘Your GP or travel doctor can advise you of what you may need for travel and should have up to date information on infectious diseases in each country’.
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