BEFORE YOU TRAVEL

Passport
  • Visit your GP, practice nurse, pharmacist or travel clinic to discuss your antimalarial and vaccination requirements (ideally this should be at least six to eight weeks before you travel).
  • Make sure you have a clear itinerary of your trip as you may only need antimalarials for part of your journey.
  • Different antimalarials are recommended for different parts of the world, as in some areas the parasite has become resistant to older drugs. Additionally there are a number of antimalarials and different ones suit different people. Your health-care professional will advise on the most suitable medication for you and your journey.
  • Increase your knowledge of malaria and other travel health risks by visiting nathnac.org, fitfortravel.scot.nhs.uk or the Foreign and Commonwealth Office's 'Know Before You Go' campaign at fco.gov.uk/travel or the 8 Weeks To Go Campaign at www.8weekstogo.co.uk.

Jane's tips