Responsibility of the traveller
Travellers can obtain a great deal of information and advice from medical and travel industry professionals to help prevent health problems while abroad. However, travellers are responsible for their health and well-being while travelling and on their return, as well as for preventing the transmission of communicable diseases to others. The following are the main responsibilities of the traveller:
- the decision to travel;
- recognizing and accepting any risks involved;
- seeking health advice in good time, preferably 4–8 weeks before travel;
- complying with recommended vaccinations and other prescribed medication and health measures;
- careful planning before departure;
- carrying a medical kit and understanding its use;
- obtaining adequate insurance cover;
- taking health precautions before, during and after the journey;
- obtaining a physician’s attestation pertaining to any prescription medicines, syringes, etc. being carried;
- the health and well-being of accompanying children;
- taking precautions to avoid transmitting any infectious disease to others during and after travel;
- full reporting to a medical professional of any illness on return, including information about all recent travel;
- being respectful of the host country and its population;
- practising responsible sexual behaviour and avoiding unprotected sexual contact.
A model checklist for use by travellers, indicating steps to be taken before the journey, is provided at the end of chapter 1.