- When deciding to undertake a journey, it is advisable to avoid destinations where alerts are in progress for particular endemic or epidemic diseases .
- About a month before leaving, it is necessary to read up if compulsory or recommended vaccinations are planned for entry into the destination country by contacting one of the International Prophylaxis Centers at the Local Health Authorities.
- Another aspect to check is that the medical documentation available is valid abroad ; otherwise, you need to find out what needs to be done. For all the destinations you intend to visit, it is advisable to get numbers and contact details of a reliable health center to contact in case of need.
- Pay attention to what you eat and drink.
- Better to avoid occasional unprotected sex and, if necessary, always use a condom.
- Those who have to take medications regularly - for example, diabetics or those suffering from high blood pressure - must always carry a small supply with them, in order not to remain without unexpected events, in addition to those sufficient to cover the duration of the trip.
- Protect yourself from mosquito or other insect bites, such as flies, ticks and mites using repellents and wearing light-colored trousers and long-sleeved shirts. At night, use mosquito nets or keep the windows closed.
- In the months following the return, if suspicious symptoms appear (fever, myalgia, intestinal disorders, etc.) it is important to report to the treating physician the information on the destination of the trip and the behavior adopted in relation to the risks of foodborne diseases, through sexual contact or conveyed by insects.
