Travel Health News(Human Swine Influenza)

The World Health Organization has declared the human swine influenza (swine flu) outbreak a global pandemic. Confirmed cases of swine flu have been reported in many parts of the world, including Hong Kong.

Human-to-human transmission has occurred in the present swine flu outbreak. The symptoms of swine flu include fever, cough, sore throat, runny nose, muscle pain and headache. Some people infected with swine flu may also have vomiting and diarrhoea.

Advice
Strict adherence to personal and environmental hygiene is essential for prevention of swine flu. Department of Health reminds travellers to watch out for the latest developments in the swine flu outbreak when planning travel. Travellers should prepare adequate face masks and alcohol-based handrub and take the following precautionary measures:

* During the trip: maintain good personal hygiene, wash hands or use handrub frequently and avoid contact with sick people.
* Before returning: do not get on board an airplane when influenza-like symptoms develop. Put on a mask and seek medical attention where you are.
* After returning: avoid going to crowded places and pay close attention to your health. Seek medical consultation from public clinics or hospitals right away if influenza-like symptoms appear.

USA Travel Insurance

Visiting the USA can be an exciting and rewarding experience, but it can become very unpleasant and challenging when sickness or injury occurs and medical services or medical evacuation is needed. Medical care is excellent in most parts of the US, but it can be very expensive and even astronomical for cases of critical illness. Many travelers purchase supplementary international medical insurance or travel insurance to avoid the staggering costs that might result from serious sickness or injury on their trip.

When you are planning your trip, it is a good idea to contact your primary healthcare provider or insurer in your home country to determine if you are covered and under what circumstances and to what extent while traveling abroad. You may be surprised to find that your health care provider offers little or no protection while traveling in the USA. If this is the case, it might be wise to purchase international travel insurance.

Many people are familiar with flight accident insurance, which pays you a large sum of money if you are killed or seriously injured in an air accident. This type of insurance policy normally does not cover any medical expenses resulting from illness or other types of accidents while traveling.

Travel agencies frequently offer travel protection plans or trip cancellation insurance. These usually cover the cost of travel expenses should you be forced to cancel your vacation due to accident, illness or certain other causes. They often cover travel assistance services, protection for lost or damaged baggage and limited medical coverage. There may or may not be a deductible or co-pay for covered medical expenses.

International Medical Insurance is short or long term insurance designed to reimburse you for medical expenses incurred while traveling or living in a foreign country. Maximum policy coverage is usually large enough to cover major medical expenses such as emergency surgery and extended hospital stays. "American Style" of international medical insurance coverage is usually subject to a specified deductible and co-insurance or co-pay. Plans may include emergency evacuation, reunion, and repatriation benefits as well as other travel assistance services. The plan coverage may be single trip, multi-trip or renewable.

Travel Safety Tips for USA

Some precautions when driving in the US

You can take a few precautions. Remember that the USA is a car-dependent country. Public transportation outside of large cities is non-existent or unreliable. You should rent a cell telephone for your travels. Call 911 for the police and emergencies services anywhere in the USA. If you have no cell phone, carry a large sign that says, "Call Police-Send help" in case of a breakdown. Remember to lock your car doors, store valuables in the trunk, and do not stop for strangers. Police officers who stop drivers for traffic violations will always be in a marked police car and will be in uniform.

Carjacking and Bump and Rob attacks are rare

You should be careful about a "bump and rob" attack. Although it is rare, some criminals steal cars and valuables by bumping a target car. When the driver gets out to assess the damage and exchange information, the thief and his companions rob the victim. If you are bumped by another car, pull into a well-lit area with other people around before getting out. If you are uncomfortable with the situation, call 911 on your mobile phone.

Carjacking tends to be a crime of opportunity. Don't give criminals a chance. Keep your car doors locked and don't drive in bad neighborhoods late at night. Check your maps before setting out. Carjackers look for cars which slow down or stop to ask directions. It is best to park in well-lit, heavily traveled areas. Always check with local residents to find out which parts of town are unsafe.

You won't find many tourist offices in the USA

You will not find many Tourist Information Offices to assist you. If you are a member of your own national Automobile Association, obtain information on the American Automobile Association before you leave home. Many foreign automobile clubs have reciprocal courtesy arrangement with the AAA. The "Triple A" can help you find lodging and car repair services.

The International Youth Hostel Association also has a few facilities across the United States. If you are an IYA member, get a guide to services in the USA before leaving home. Finding the right place to stay is the most important step that you can take to have a safe happy trip.

Try to plan your accommodations in advance!

Sleeping in train stations or bus stations is generally not accepted in the USA. In some train stations, the police will wake you. Safe travel through the United States requires planning --- getting off a bus or a train at night and seeking lodging may not be a good idea. Try to plan your accommodations in advance. You can usually find motel rooms along major interstate highways without a reservation. Do not sleep in your car at highway "rest areas."

Bed and Breakfasts in the European tradition do not exist in the United States. In the USA, Bed and Breakfast establishments are often expensive, exclusive places that can break your budget. However, you will find an array of hotels to suit every budget. Many chains run specials with double rooms costing as little as $29.95. Check with your travel agent, airline, or car rental company for more information.

Stay off private property!

Do not camp on private land and do not camp beside the highway. You can be arrested for camping on private property, even worse --- the property owner could shoot at you. Private property in the United States of America is very private indeed, public footpaths do not cross fields, and there isn't always a right of access available to reach lakeshores or other desirable places. Use only public beaches, marked trails and State or National Parks. Consult a guidebook for designated wilderness areas where free camping is permitted. In most areas, you will also find commercial camp grounds.

Travel in USA

Los Angeles is the largest city in California and the second largest city in the United States of America. It is located on the southern coast of California about 75 miles (120km) north of the Mexican border and 400 miles (600km) south of San Francisco The original name of the city was "El Pueblo de Nuestra Senora la Reina de los Angeles" or "The Village of Our Lady the Queen of Angels", but the name was shortened for obvious reasons.

Los Angeles is situated on an irregularly shaped coastal plain about 30 to 60 miles across. It is bounded on the west by nearly 60 miles of Pacific Coast beaches and ocean cliffs. The San Gabriel and San Bernardino Mountains form a 2500-meter high wall to the east. The Santa Monica Mountains define its northern limit and the Santa Anna Mountains define the southern.

Los Angeles natives inhabit the entire plain, from the local hills to connecting valleys to the slopes of the mountain ranges. The city now covers over 1000 square-miles composed of dozens of interconnected communities. High-rise buildings only exist in a few isolated clusters. From nearly every vantage point, you can gaze across miles of low rooftops with palm trees towering above.

What is Medical Tourism?

Once associated with cheap cosmetic surgery and fringe medical therapies, medical tourism (also known as health travel, medical travel, or global health care) is now rapidly gaining acceptance by both the American public and the medical community at large (the latter if somewhat reluctantly), as a real solution to the high cost of healthcare in the United States. In fact, the American Medical Association recently issued guidelines and recommendations for medical tourism patients traveling outside the U.S. for medical care.

So what is medical tourism and why does this catchy term seem to be popping up in the media so often these days? First off it may be helpful to define what medical tourism is not. It is not a vacation package sold to doctors, nor is it a pastime for folks who like to tour hospitals. It is also not strictly tourism per se, although many aspects of tourism are engaged to some degree or another.

Simply put, medical tourism can be defined as the act of traveling outside one’s own area of residence for health care. This can take the form of a two hundred mile drive to your parent’s birthplace, or it can mean flying half way around the globe to an exotic culture you know nothing about. For people without insurance or those needing medical procedures that insurance won't cover, medical tourism offers an attractive alternative to rising healthcare costs.

Traditionally medical tourism has been associated with elective procedures (procedures not seen as strictly necessary) such as cosmetic dental and plastic surgery. Destinations such as Brazil, Costa Rica and Mexico have long catered to North American body worshippers in need of a nip or a tuck. Over the last few years however, non-elective procedures such as knee and hip replacements, cardiac procedures and neurosurgery have rapidly been gaining ground and are soon expected to overtake seemingly “trivial” pursuits such as searching for the perfect smile.

Asian nations such as India, Thailand and Singapore have taken the lead in marketing their hospitals and countries to this new wave of medical tourists, most of whom are baby boomers hailing from countries in North America, Europe and the Middle East. Not to be left behind, other countries in Asia, Latin America, and Europe are now catching up and have begun to successfully attract many of these same markets with enticing offers of cheaper prices, shorter flights and cutting edge technology.

Travel Health Information

Diseases such as yellow fever, malaria and rabies are all common illnesses in some parts of the world. You can reduce your exposure to these illnesses by planning for your trip and following a few precautions while you’re travelling.

Water Safety

• Don’t drink or brush your teeth with tap water in countries with poor sanitation: use filtered or bottled water instead.

• Don’t put ice in drinks. Bottled drinks with an unbroken seal are usually safe, as are drinks made with boiled water.

Food Safety

• Avoid salad, fruit and vegetables that have been pre-peeled and cut. Always wash fruit and vegetables yourself before eating.

• Don’t eat food that has been kept at room temperature in hot climates, or that has been uncovered or exposed to insects.

• Don’t drink unpasteurised milk, cheese, ice cream or other dairy products

• Don’t eat raw or uncooked seafood

Insect Bites

• Avoid going to places where there are a lot of insects

• Try to be indoors between dusk and dawn, as this is when Malaria mosquitoes are most likely to bite

• Research suggests that insect repelling products that contain the chemical DEET are the most effective and safe when used appropriately

• As mosquitoes can bite through tight clothing, wearing loose-fitting trousers and long-sleeved tops in the evenings can reduce the chance of being bitten

• Sleep under a mosquito net to avoid being bitten during the night. Make sure you have a small sewing kit in order to repair the net in case holes develop.

Should I still take precautions if I’m a UK resident returning to my country of origin?
Yes. You should also be vaccinated and take the above precautions with regards to water safety, food safety and insect bites as you may no longer have immunity to some of the illnesses in your country of origin.

What are the Top 10 illnesses of concern to travllers?
The Top 10 illnesses of concern to UK travellers are as follows:

1) Travellers’ Diarrhoea
This is most common in travellers from the UK to developing countries and is caused by contaminated food (usually that has not been thoroughly heated, or that has been left out at room temperature) or water.
People with travellers’ diarrhoea should drink (bottled water) to avoid dehydration. It should only last a couple of days and can be prevented by following the food and water hygiene practices highlighted above.

2) Malaria
This is a serious illness which sometimes proves fatal. It is spread at night by mosquitoes that carry a parasite called ‘plasmodium’. Most people catch malaria because they don’t take any tablets, or take the wrong tablets for the area they are visiting. You should contact your GP or go to a travellers’ clinic for advice that is specific for the country you are visiting.

3) Dengue
This is spread by infected Aedes mosquitoes that usually bit during the day. Risk areas include South-East Asia, the Caribbean and South America, and symptoms include fever, headache, muscle/joint pain, and sometimes a rash. Dengue usually lasts a few days and rarely has serious complications. There is no specific treatment, and the best way to avoid it is to avoid mosquito bites.

4) HIV and STIs
Travellers engaging in unprotected sex may expose themselves to HIV and STIs such as Chlamydia or Syphilis. Avoid sex with an unknown partner and always use condoms. If you are travelling to a developing region, it may be better to carry condoms bought in the UK.

5) Hepatitis A
This is a virus carried through food or water that is contaminated by human faeces (poo). Foods such as strawberries, or lettuce that grows close to the ground may be higher risks. Oysters and clams that live on the seabed may also be a risk. Those infected with Hep A can pass on the virus to others. Early symptoms include malaise, loss of appetite, sickness and fever, leading to jaundice. Hep A vaccines are available and should be considered by most travellers.

6) Hepatitis B
This is a common global virus, but also a major cause of chronic liver disease or cancer. Symptoms are flu-like and include loss of appetite, sickness, diarrhoea, abdominal pains and jaundice. Hep B is spread through sexual intercourse, blood transfusions, contaminated needles and poorly sterilised medical/dental equipment. High risk regions include Sub-Saharan Africa, South-East Asia and the Pacific Islands. A vaccine is available.

7) Typhoid
This is a potentially fatal disease caused by the bacteria ‘Salmonella typhi’, and is spread through contaminated water or food in areas of poor contamination. Symptoms include sudden fever, severe headache, sickness, abdominal pain, loss of appetite, constipation or diarrhoea. The area with the highest risk of typhoid is the Indian Sub-Continent, and a vaccine is available for travellers visiting high-risk areas.

8) Yellow Fever
This is a viral disease spread by infected mosquitoes in regions of Sub-Saharan Africa and South America. Early symptoms include aching, fever, headache, anorexia, and sickness. In severe cases this can lead to organ failure and death. The disease can be prevented by vaccination, and may even be a condition for entry by some countries.

9) Rabies
This is a virus that attacks the central nervous system, and when it reaches the brain it causes swelling, inflammation and death. It can be found in the saliva of infected animals such as dogs or bats, and can be passed to humans by bites or scratches. High risk areas include Africa, Asia and South America. Vaccination is advised. If you get a bite or scratch from a potentially infected animal, wash the wound with soap and water and seek urgent medical attention.

10) Meningitis
This is the inflammation of the lining around the brain and spinal column, and can be caused by different bacteria and viruses. Symptoms include sudden fever, intense headache, nausea and vomiting. The germs are passed from human to human by coughing, sneezing and kissing. High risk areas include Sub-Saharan Africa where there are annual outbreaks. Vaccines are available to travellers to high risk zones. Vaccination against meningitis is required for pilgrims attending the Hajj or Umrah.

Travel Health Tips

Travelling to different climates and environments abroad can expose you to disease and health risks. You should be aware of the dangers and how to stay healthy.

Diseases which aren’t present in the UK such as yellow fever, malaria, rabies and dengue fever are common in some areas of the world.

Vaccinations and immunisations

Visit your GP as soon as possible to check if you need any vaccinations or other preventive measures (such as malaria tablets).

Remember, these treatments aren’t usually available as NHS prescriptions.

General travel health tips

You should also make extra preparations if you have an existing medical condition.

• take out adequate Travel Insurance or you could face a huge medical bill if you fall ill and need treatment
• get a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) to entitle you to free or discounted healthcare in European countries
• check the health section of our country travel advice before you travel
• drink plenty of water in hot climates to avoid dehydration
• be safe in the sun - use a high-factor sunscreen and avoid excessive sunbathing between 11am - 3pm
• find out the local emergency services numbers and the number of the local hospital
• practice safe sex - take condoms with you as quality varies in different countries. HIV and Aids, and other sexually transmitted diseases can be caught worldwide.

Long-distance journeys

• don’t wear tight clothing on long-distance journeys
• do regular stretching exercises such as flexing and extending your ankles to avoid circulation problems
• walk round at regular intervals on long flights
• drink plenty of water on flights and avoid drinking too much alcohol.

Consult your doctor before long-distance travel if you:

• are pregnant or have given birth in the last 6 months
• have a history of blood disorders, deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism
• are taking hormonal medication (including the contraceptive pill)
• have cancer, heart problems or have recently had surgery.

If you have a pre-existing medical condition

• tell your travel insurer about your condition
• ask your doctor how the trip might affect you
• check local conditions such as climate and pollution levels and consider how you might be affected
• carry a doctor’s letter and a copy of any prescriptions
• ensure your medication is legal in the country you are visiting – the British Embassy can advise you
• learn key words and phrases in the local language for your condition, medication and emergency help
• take the same precautions you normally would in the UK if you weren’t going to be at home for a while
• if you suffer from a mental illness you should be aware that facilities and local attitudes to mental health problems may differ from those in the UK. Do some research before you go.

Travel Insurance

Travel insurance is insurance that is intended to cover medical expenses and financial (such as money invested in nonrefundable pre-payments) and other losses incurred while traveling either within one's own country, or internationally.

Temporary travel insurance can usually be arranged at the time of the booking of a trip to cover exactly the duration of that trip, or a more extensive, continuous insurance can be purchased from travel insurance companies, travel agents or directly from travel suppliers such as cruiselines or tour operators. However, travel insurance purchased from travel suppliers tends to be less inclusive than insurance offered by insurance companies.

Travel insurance often offers coverage for a variety of travelers. Student travel, business travel, leisure travel, adventure travel, cruise travel, and international travel are all various options that can be insured.

The most common risks that are covered by travel insurance are:

• Medical expenses
• Emergency evacuation/repatriation
• Trip cancellation/interruption
• Accidental death, injury or disablement benefit
• Overseas funeral expenses
• Curtailment
• Delayed departure
• Loss, theft or damage to personal possessions and money (including travel documents)
• Delayed baggage (and emergency replacement of essential items)
• Legal assistance
• Personal liability and rental car damage excess

Common Exclusions:

• pre-existing medical conditions
• war or terrorism - but some plans may cover this risk
• injury or illness caused by alcohol or drug use

Usually, the insurers cover pregnancy related expenses, if the travel occurs within the first trimester. After that, insurance coverage varies from insurer to insurer.

Travel insurance can also provide helpful services, often 24 hours a day, 7 days a week that can include concierge and emergency travel assistance.

Typically travel insurance for the duration of a journey costs approximately 5-7% of the cost of the trip