Subject: Travelling? Take the necessary precautions

Walking, flying, or driving? Take the necessary precautions
There's an Indian Proverb that advises, "Don't judge any man until you have walked two moons in his moccasins", to which Robert Byrne added, "Until you walk a mile in another man's moccasins you can't imagine the smell."

Talking about walking, in this issue we offer some literal steps to help prevent altitude sickness. We bring you news about one of the biggest dangers of mountain climbing, how avoiding contaminated water can save your life, and why domesticated animals sometimes pose a bigger threat than those in the wild.

Have you had your annual, seasonal flu vaccine yet? If not, it may be too late, as there is a shortage of the vaccines, possibly related to stockpiling. To check on availability, contact Travel Doctor on 0861 300 911.

Until next time, hamba kahle! Dr Albie de Frey Medical Director Travel Doctor

Avoid contaminated water when travelling Contaminated water is one of the biggest causes of illness for travellers. While diarrhoea is a common complaint amongst travellers, several other illnesses are transmitted through contaminated water sources such as typhoid fever, hepatitis A, polio, cholera and the lesser known leptospirosis. More..

Enjoy climbing or mountaineering without the risk of altitude sickness Altitude sickness is one of the biggest dangers of climbing or mountaineering,  but can be avoided by ascending slowly. More...

Beware of the doggie
Dogs are by far the most common domestic animals responsible for attacks on humans. They can inflict serious injury, but can also spread dangerous infections like tetanus or rabies through their bites. We look at how you can avoid rabies. More...
Click here for statistics on rabies in South Africa.

Don't forget to be vigilant about malaria Malaria may be less prevalent this time of year than in the hot, wet season, but it is never absent! If you are planning to travel this holiday, especially to a region with a warmer climate, be sure to take the necessary precautions to avoid contracting malaria. Here are some tips. More..

European Union gets ready to stockpile bird flu vaccine British drugmaker GlaxoSmithKline says it has received regulatory approval to sell its H5N1 bird flu vaccine to European countries. The pre-pandemic H5N1 vaccine, to be sold under the name Prepandrix, will be marketed to countries seeking to stockpile the vaccine in the event of a human bird flu pandemic. More...

The lighter side of life: What's for dessert. berries and bling? If you're in love and want to really treat your partner, try ordering the most expensive dessert in the world. More..

Bon Voyage is a monthly newsletter produced by The Hothouse Communications for Travel Doctor. 0861 300 911 www.traveldoctor.co.za

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