Firstly, it is wise to consult your GP prior to going on vacation so they can assess your specific health risks and recommend vaccinations and / or antimalarial tablets. Your GP can also offer invaluable advice on travel issues like mosquito bites and safe drinking water. Diseases like measles are common and widespread, so check with your GP that you have been immunised or immune from previously contracting the disease.

It‘s also imperative that you ensure you have complete insurance cover for any kind of medical emergency, which includes repatriation. If you are a UK citizen and are holidaying in an EU country carrying a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) can entitle you to subsidised or free medical treatment.

Malaria is a very serious disease and can be fatal. Guarding against mosquito bites can protect you, but antimalarial tablets should be taken if you are visiting India, Africa, the Caribbean, Central and South America, the Middle East and Central and East Asia.

If you are visiting any of the above countries or regions, you should also ensure you are vaccinated against Rabies, Tetanus, Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Cholera, Diphtheria, Yellow Fever and Tuberculosis. Always ask your GP for advice regarding the prerequisite vaccinations for the country or region you are visiting.

During your pre-travel consultation with your GP ask if there are any current outbreaks of diseases or epidemics within the country or region you are visiting. For example, in 2011 there has been an outbreak of Pertussis (whooping cough) in Australia and visitors have been advised to have a booster jab against the disease.

Your GP is there to give advice and help you stay well and healthy while you enjoy your holiday. Arrange a pre-travel consultation and ensure you are fit for travel.

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The majority of these victims had recently travelled to India or West Africa, places well known to host the disease. In fact, 40% of the sufferers had travelled to either Nigeria or Ghana and 11% to India. Malaria, transmitted by the bite of a mosquito has been identified as prevalent in these countries and making the necessary precautions should be the responsibility of any traveller.

Malaria is a huge killer with up to 1 million deaths annually. The disease is one that can remain inactive in the system for up to a year but most symptoms show themselves after 8 days of being bitten.

With more than five different types of anti-malaria medication available, there is no excuse for any Briton to travel overseas without adequate protection. Professor Peter Chiodini of the HPA recommends that all people considering travelling abroad should see the advice of their medical professional. He also adds that there is no immunity from malaria and every person travelling should do what they can to prevent the disease.

The HPA’s Dr Jane Jones concurs with Chiodini and says that the disease could be deadly but is almost 100% preventable. Additionally, people can get malaria multiple times so, even if you have had it before; it is a good idea to take the medication.

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The UK is one of the biggest importers of malaria in Europe and the latest figures from the Health Protection Agency indicate a slight increase (9%) in cases of the disease in UK travellers. In light of this, Steve who has contracted malaria, is urging travellers to be more ‘malaria aware’.

He says: “It’s easy to relax and take a carefree attitude when you’re on holiday, but it is extremely important to take malaria prevention seriously. It only takes one bite to contract malaria and I know from personal experience how terrible the disease can be.”

Professor Goodyer, a spokesperson for the Malaria Awareness Campaign says: “Bite avoidance is the first line of defence in malaria prevention, however, many people are unaware of the correct quantity of insect repellent to use or how to apply it correctly. I’d advise all UK travellers to give Steve’s how-to film a couple of minutes of their attention as it could save their life.”

“Anyone travelling to a malarious destination should make an appointment with their GP surgery, travel clinic or pharmacy for the best advice as far in advance as possible – ideally six to eight weeks before they go. As well as using an insect repellent containing 20-50% DEET, it is advisable to take precautions against being bitten, such as sleeping under an impregnated mosquito net and cover up arms and legs with loose fitting cotton clothing at dusk and dawn. In addition, if advised, antimalarial medication should be taken before, during and after the trip.”

Here are our 5 top tips for bite prevention:

· Malaria-carrying mosquitoes bite mostly between dusk and dawn – light coloured, long-sleeved clothing, long trousers and socks should be worn during this time

· Repellents should be applied regularly, particularly in a hot and humid climate when the ‘sweat off’ time is shorter

· Application of repellent containing 20-50% DEET is advisable

· Sleeping under an impregnated mosquito net can help prevent you from being bitten

· Mosquitoes love ankles so ideally you should wear socks but if not make sure you cover all of your foot and ankle with repellent.

For more information visit www.malariahotspots.co.uk, a GSK website.

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The key symptom of swine `flu is a fever (a temperature of at least 38˚C), in combination with other complaints which may include sore throat, cough, aches and chills. Nausea, sickness and diarrhoea have also been reported in some cases. Sufferers are most infectious as soon as symptoms develop, but cease to be a risk once the symptoms have disappeared. The incubation period can be as short as 48 hours.

In most cases, the swine `flu infection has been mild and there are no wide-ranging travel restrictions. However, the website of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office has reported screening of international passengers introduced at several airports, including in China. Official advice is that those with symptoms of swine `flu should refrain from travelling from the UK until asymptomatic. Similarly, UK nationals who have contracted swine `flu abroad are advised to wait until the infectious period has passed before travelling. Carrying passengers exhibiting swine `flu symptoms has been placed at the discretion of airlines. UK nationals prevented from boarding homeward-bound flights should seek advice from the nearest Diplomatic mission.

Before leaving the UK, travellers are advised to check the FCO website or 24-hour advice line (0845 850 2829) for country-specific advice on the H1N1 virus at their holiday destination. Travellers to Europe should take a free European Health Insurance Card, which entitles the holder to any medical treatment in another European Economic Area country. Applications for such cards may be made online, by ringing 0845 606 2030 or at main post offices. Sensible pre-travel precautions also include determining in advance where medical advice and / or treatment can be obtained. Packing over-the-counter treatments for `flu symptoms, such as paracetamol or ibuprofen, is also a good idea.

Anyone experiencing `flu-like symptoms should keep away from public areas. While over-the-counter medications may be sufficient for mild cases of swine `flu, there are several high-risk groups who should be referred to medical professionals immediately. These include pregnant women, the elderly, diabetics, children under 5 and those suffering from chronic diseases. Recognising the signs of serious illness, namely breathing difficulty, chest pain, vomiting, dehydration, seizures and confusion is vital, as this requires emergency medical treatment.

The Department of Health Swine `flu Information line can be accessed from abroad by calling 00 44 207 928 1010. However, while cheap calls to Brazil represent excellent value, international calls can be very expensive and this number should only be used in emergencies.

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