Travel Medicine Consultation

Hepatitis A is transmitted via the faecal-oral route, through the ingestion of contaminated water and food, or through sexual contact. It is common in destinations with poor hygiene conditions. The vaccine is highly recommended. 

Hepatitis B is mainly transmitted through sexual contact (vaginal, anal and oral) and through contact with contaminated blood. The risk is higher in situations involving the sharing of needles or syringes, tattoos, piercings or other procedures without sterilised equipment, as well as through the sharing of personal items that may contain traces of blood (such as razor blades or toothbrushes). Transmission through saliva is rare and unlikely through kissing, unless there are wounds in the mouth. Vaccination is the most effective form of prevention. 

The poliovirus lodges in the throat and intestines and is eliminated through faeces and respiratory droplets. Transmission can occur from person to person, through contact with contaminated faeces, by inhaling droplets expelled when coughing or sneezing, or through contaminated water, food and objects. Although this disease has been eradicated in many countries, it is still present in some regions of Asia and Africa. It can cause irreversible paralysis, so it is essential to keep vaccinations up to date. 

This serious respiratory disease can lead to cardiac and neurological complications. Transmission can occur through saliva droplets (sneezing or coughing), open wounds and ulcers, or through contact with contaminated objects (less common). Prevention is achieved through a combined tetanus vaccine at times defined by the National Vaccination Programme throughout life.

Tetanus is transmitted through wounds that come into contact with the bacterium Clostridium tetani. The bacterium is found in the environment (soil, animal faeces, spores) and can be fatal. The vaccine should be kept up to date at any age and is essential for travellers. 

Malaria is transmitted by mosquitoes in many tropical regions. There is no universal vaccine, but your doctor can prescribe preventive medication and recommend repellents and mosquito nets during your travel consultation.  

Present in areas of Africa and South America, transmission occurs through mosquito bites, with inoculation of the yellow fever virus. The vaccine is mandatory in many countries and provides lifelong protection after a single dose. 

It is transmitted by ingesting water or food contaminated with infected faeces or urine. It can also occur through direct contact (hand-to-mouth) or sharing contaminated objects. Prevention involves good hygiene and sanitation practices: drinking potable or bottled water, cooking food thoroughly, washing fruit and vegetables, and washing your hands regularly. The vaccine is recommended for travellers to endemic areas. 

Another important purpose of the pretravel consultation is to advise travellers on medication they should travel with – including drugs that help prevent diseases or treat minor health problems that can arise during the trip.

The pretravel consultation also provides information on the medical assistance available at the destination, the risk of accidents and safety measures. Knowing what to expect in terms of healthcare, such as finding hospitals or local clinics, is essential for a trouble-free trip. This way, you will know what to do in an emergency.

During consultations, guidance is also given on water and food safety, such as drinking only bottled or previously treated water, avoiding ice of unknown origin and choosing well-cooked foods. Fruit should be washed with drinking water and, preferably, peeled before being eaten. These simple precautions help prevent gastrointestinal infections such as diarrhoea, hepatitis A, or typhoid fever. 

The right preparation is even more important for vulnerable groups, such as pregnant women, children, the elderly and people with chronic diseases like diabetes. Certain medical conditions require specific care to ensure a healthy and safe journey.

These are the recommendations for those travelling to Angola: 

Vaccinations 

Compulsory vaccination: Yellow fever. The International Certificate of Vaccination for Yellow Fever is compulsory for all travellers over 9 months of age. The Yellow Fever vaccine is valid for life, so only a single dose of the vaccine is required. 

Vaccinations to consider: Hepatitis A, Typhoid Fever, Cholera, Hepatitis B and Rabies. 

Travel risks 

Angola is a malaria risk area, a parasitic disease transmitted by mosquitoes. If not treated in time, it can be fatal. Therefore, you should use repellents, appropriate clothing and mosquito nets. In some cases, your doctor may consider it necessary to prescribe malaria prevention medication.  

In urban areas, there is also a risk of contracting the Dengue, Chikungunya or Zika virus.  

People travelling to Brazil should consider:  

Vaccinations 

Travel risks 

Brazil is also a malaria risk area, especially in areas below 900 metres altitude. For this reason, the precautions mentioned above for this disease should be taken.  

If you are thinking of travelling to Argentina, take note:  

Vaccinations 

Travel risks

The risk of contracting malaria is present throughout the year, although it is considered low and restricted to specific areas, such as Oran and San Martin in the province of Salta, in the north of the country. In the famous tourist region of Iguazu Falls, the risk is minimal. 

Those travelling to Cuba should consider the following:  

Vaccinations 

Travel risks 

There is no risk of contracting malaria in Cuba. However, there is a risk of contracting the Dengue and Zika viruses. 

Before travelling to Mexico, it is important to bear in mind the following points: 

Vaccinations 

Travel risks 

There is a risk of contracting malaria, usually in rural areas less frequented by tourists. 

Anyone planning a trip to Venezuela should be aware of the following: 

Vaccinations 

Travel risks 

Travellers to this country may also contract malaria, so measures should be taken to avoid contact with mosquitoes. The risks of dengue and Zika should also be considered.  

The first step is to schedule a pretravel consultation to prepare properly. Also check what vaccinations are necessary for your destination. In addition, take the right repellent to protect yourself from mosquitos and other insects. Find out about the climate, eating habits and local customs, and always pay attention to safety, both on the road and at events or in water-based activities. Don’t forget to take protection from the sun and cold, and avoid drinking water or eating food that may be contaminated. If travelling to regions where rabies is present, stay away from domestic, wild or captive animals.

This consultation is not mandatory, but it is highly recommended. It can help prevent diseases and guarantee a safer trip, especially to destinations that present health risks.

Yes, it’s especially important for pregnant women to consult a physician before travelling. The physician can offer guidelines on safe vaccines and specific care for pregnant travellers.

There is no specific minimum age. This consultation is recommended for travellers of all ages. Children in particular should be assessed, as they may need specific vaccines before travelling.

Depending on your destination, the physician performing the pretravel consultation can recommend specific vaccines, such as:
• Yellow fever; 
• Typhoid fever;
• Hepatitis A;
• Meningococcal meningitis;
• Japanese encephalitis;
• Cholera;
• Dengue fever.

Inform the physician about your situation so that they can recommend alternatives, such as preventive medication or additional protective measures, depending on the destination and vaccine in question.

The ideal is not to climb directly to high altitudes, but if this is unavoidable, stop off for two or three nights at around 2550-3000 metres to reduce the risk of symptoms, such as headache, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, insomnia and fatigue. People who have a medical condition, such as heart or lung disease, or anaemia, should be even more cautious and seek medical advice before travelling.

There are situations in which air travel is inadvisable for health reasons:

• Newborns less than 7 days old (or older if they are premature) should not travel by plane;
• Pregnant women in their last 4 weeks of pregnancy (or last 8 weeks if expecting twins) and up to 7 days after giving birth should avoid flying.
• People suffering from angina pectoris at rest, or who have recently had an acute myocardial infarction or stroke, should not travel by plane;
• Individuals with infectious diseases in the contagious phase, such as tuberculosis or measles, are prevented from flying;
• Patients with chronic respiratory diseases and shortness of breath at rest should not fly;
• People with uncontrolled hypertension (systolic pressure over 200 mm Hg) should also avoid air travel.

To prevent traveller’s diarrhoea, it is important to take some basic precautions with food and hydration:

• Always drink bottled water, prefer food that has been thoroughly washed, and wash hands frequently;
• Prefer restaurant meals and avoid street food or drinks;
• Avoid salads with raw vegetables and fruit, as well as dressings left on tables;
• If possible, peal your own fruit and drink only bottled carbonated drinks or drinks prepared with boiled water; 
• Make sure ice was made with previously boiled water.