VICTORIANS packing their bags for a summer trip are being urged to take simple steps to stay safe and healthy while travelling in Australia and overseas.<\/p>\n
The state\u2019s acting chief health officer Dr Brett\u00a0 Sutton last month launched an extensive new travel advice section on the Better Health Channel website.<\/p>\n
The new section provides vital health and safety advice on what all travellers should do before they leave, while away and when they get back.<\/p>\n
\u201cVictorians love to travel \u2013 exploring exotic countries, trying new experiences and meeting new people and cultures,\u201d Dr Sutton said.<\/p>\n
\u201cHowever, unexpected dangers can ruin your holiday and the joys of travelling. The best way to stay safe is to plan ahead and be travel-ready.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe all know to get the right visa \u2013 but it\u2019s just as important to make sure we are fully vaccinated and protected against diseases occurring in other countries, like measles in Bali and polio in PNG.<\/p>\n
\u201cAnd people should get their vaccinations early so they have time to build immunity against any disease before they leave home.\u201d<\/p>\n
Some of the tips include: \u2022 Visit your doctor six to eight weeks prior to departure for a health check and organise any vaccinations and medications you may need \u2022 Keep up to date with the latest travel advice and register with smarttraveller.gov.au \u2022 Consider taking out travel insurance which includes health cover \u2022 Pack for the location and season and include a first-aid kit \u2022 Practice good hygiene and make sensible choices about food while you\u2019re away to avoid illnesses such as gastro \u2022 Mozzie-proof your holiday \u2013 mosquitoes can carry serious illnesses such as malaria, the Zika virus, yellow fever and dengue fever, and \u2022 If you\u2019re due to travel but feel unwell, consider delaying travel and seek medical advice.<\/p>\n
Dr Sutton said taking a break and go on a holiday was also beneficial for health, as it reduced stress\u00a0levels, increased physical activity and made people take time out to get plenty of rest.<\/p>\n
For more information, head to betterhealth.vic. gov.au\/healthy-travel.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
VICTORIANS packing their bags for a summer trip are being urged to take simple steps to stay safe and healthy while travelling in Australia and overseas. The state\u2019s acting chief health officer Dr Brett\u00a0 Sutton last month launched an extensive new travel advice section on the Better Health Channel website. The new section provides vital […]<\/p>\n