Insect bites can spread illnesses such as malaria, dengue, chikungunya and yellow fever.

To reduce your risk:

• Use an insect repellent containing 50% DEET where appropriate.
• Apply sunscreen first and insect repellent afterwards.
• Wear long sleeves, long trousers and covered footwear where practical.
• Sleep in screened or air-conditioned rooms where possible.
• Use a mosquito net if your accommodation is not well screened.

If you are travelling to a malaria-risk area, take your malaria tablets exactly as advised and complete the full course.

Even if you are taking malaria tablets, you must still avoid mosquito bites.

If you develop a fever or flu-like illness during travel or after returning, seek urgent medical advice and mention your travel history. Malaria can be serious and must be ruled out promptly.

Contaminated food and water can cause illnesses such as traveller’s diarrhoea, typhoid and hepatitis A.

To reduce your risk:

• Eat food that is freshly cooked and served hot.
• Avoid food that has been left standing.
• Avoid salads or uncooked foods washed in unsafe water.
• Eat fruit only if you can wash it in safe water or peel it yourself.
• Drink sealed bottled drinks where possible.
• Avoid ice if you are unsure how it was made.
• Wash your hands before eating, or use hand gel if soap and water are not available.

If safe drinking water may be limited, consider taking:

• Water purification tablets.
• A water filter.
• A reusable bottle suitable for treated water.

These can be useful where bottled or boiled water may not be reliably available.

If you develop diarrhoea while travelling, the main risk is dehydration.

Useful steps include:

• Drink plenty of safe fluids.
• Use oral rehydration salts if needed.
• Seek medical help promptly if you have:
  
  bloody diarrhoea,
  a high fever,
  signs of dehydration,
  or symptoms that are severe, persistent or worsening.

Do not touch or feed animals, including dogs, cats and monkeys.

If you are bitten, scratched, or licked on broken skin:

• Wash the area thoroughly with soap and running water.
• Seek urgent medical advice as soon as possible.

This is important even if you have had rabies vaccination.

Hot weather can quickly lead to dehydration, sunburn and heat illness.

To reduce your risk:

• Use sunscreen.
• Drink plenty of fluids.
• Take care in strong sun and high temperatures.
• Rest in the shade where possible.

Avoid swimming or paddling in fresh water lakes and rivers in destinations where water-borne infections may be present.

Accidents and injuries are a major risk during travel.

Take sensible precautions:

• Wear seatbelts and helmets where appropriate.
• Be cautious with alcohol.
• Use reputable transport where possible.
• Take care with valuables and unfamiliar surroundings.

Jet lag is common after long-distance travel across several time zones, particularly when travelling east. It can affect your sleep, energy levels, concentration, digestion and mood.

To help reduce jet lag:

• Try to adjust your sleep routine gradually before travel if you can.
• Get daylight at the right time after arrival, as light helps your body clock adjust.
• Stay hydrated and avoid excess alcohol.
• Try to sleep at your destination’s local bedtime where possible.
• For very short trips, it may sometimes be better to stay closer to your home time zone rather than fully adjusting.