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Southern Europe
Healthy Travelling in Southern Europe
Europe is a massive continent stretching from Asia to the Atlantic which is split into
four ambiguous regions - North, East, South and West. Southern Europe, also called
Mediterranean Europe, comprises countries poised on the Iberian and Italian peninsulas
and include Spain, Portugal, Southern France, Greece and Malta, among others.
Geographically situated at the southern half of Europe, these sun-drenched countries
enjoy a Mediterranean climate and stun with vineyards, long beaches, lively cities and
the culturally diverse experience that enthral travellers.
Pre-travel preparation will help protect your health while you are away. Please consult
a Travel Doctor-TMVC doctor prior to departure to assess your risks in relation to your
medical history and travel plans. Our doctors prescribe appropriate vaccination and
medication which may minimise your risk of contracting potentially deadly diseases
while you are away.
How we can help
Our medical and nursing staff at the Travel Doctor-TMVC are trained in international
public health issues and have a focus on immunisation and preventative medicine.
Travellers should undergo individual risk assessments whether they are short term
holiday makers, business, or long term expatriate workers.
The Travel Doctor-TMVC has clinics throughout Australia. We are available to assist you
whether it’s pre-travel, on your holiday, or when you return.
You can request an appointment at any time of the day or night by visiting our website
traveldoctor.com.au, or you can talk to one of our friendly team members during business
hours on 1300 658 844.
traveldoctor.com.au
Tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) can affect travellers to Southern
Europe
Chickenpox
This very common infectious disease can now be prevented through immunisation. Many
people miss the disease in childhood only to have a significant illness as an adult.
Hepatitis A
This is a viral disease of the liver which is transmitted through eating contaminated food
or drinking contaminated water.
Hepatitis B
This is a viral disease of the liver that is transmitted via blood, blood products or bodily
fluids and is vaccine preventable.
Influenza
Travellers go through crowded venues like airports, or in commuter transports. Influenza is
the most common vaccine preventable travel-related illness. Vaccination against influenza
is generally highly recommended.
Measles,
Mumps,
Rubella
Vaccination is recommended for travellers born after 1966 who cannot confirm that they
have received two doses of measles containing vaccine. Since 1990, this may have been
the combination vaccine MMR (measles, mumps and rubella).
Meningococcal Meningococcal disease is a very serious bacterial infection which is often life-threatening.
Disease
It may manifest as meningitis (inflammation of the lining of the brain), and/or septicaemia
(blood poisoning).
Rabies
Rabies is a deadly viral infection of the brain. Risk increases with extended travel and the
likelihood of animal contact.
Tetanus,
Pertussis,
Diphtheria
Tetanus is caused by a toxin released by common dust or soil bacteria which enters the
body through a wound. Diphtheria is a bacterial infection of the throat and occassionally
the skin. Pertussis or whooping cough (known as the 100 day cough in Chinese) is a highly
infectious respiratory infection responsible for over 300,000 deaths annually, mainly in
children. These three illnesses are preventable and covered in the same vaccine.
Tick-borne
encephalitis
Travellers who walk through infected areas during tick season way warrant vaccination
against TBE. TBE vaccines are readily available in Europe but not in Australia.
Traveller’s
Diarrhoea
Up to 40% of tourists may develop three or more loose bowel motions a day within the
first week of travel. A variety of germs can be responsible for this infection and a travellers
medical kit from Travel Doctor-TMVC can rapidly improve symptoms.
Information in this flyer correct as of 16 December 2016
traveldoctor.com.au