If this summer we are planning to travel to an exotic country, in the tropics, a developing nation or a health risk area, we must go in advance to a specialized centre or consult a doctor, at least 4 to 8 weeks before starting our trip.
This recommendation is applicable to any citizen, but particularly compelling for some at-risk groups:
– Babies and small children;
– Pregnant women;
– Elderly persons;
– Persons with disability;
– Immunocompromised patients;
– Persons suffering from pre-existent health conditions.
The Ministry of Health, Social Services and Equality offers specific information on the world health situation, country by country. At their web portal they list the International Vaccination Centres.
At the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation website you can look up the fact sheets of the country or countries you are going to (or through), with particular traveling guidelines and the contact details with the respective Spanish Consulate or Embassy. Official bodies give the necessary directions in every case.
Tropical diseases, infections caused by mosquito bites, animal-borne diseases, food poisoning, traveler’s diarrhoea, sexually transmitted diseases… The risks faced by travelers are not negligible. Some of them can be prevented through vaccination, and others by adhering to simple behaviour guidelines during stays abroad.
