ABSTRACT
As air travel becomes more accessible worldwide, the potential hazards are increasingly more diverse, and health needs can be more complex. Ideally, all travellers’ needs, regardless of their individual health status, should be identified prior to departure to mitigate for these travel health risks. This chapter shows potential travel-related infections. Mitigation includes vaccination and behavioural strategies. Travellers should aim to be seen at least 6–8 weeks prior to departure for a risk assessment consultation with a travel medicine specialist where possible, or have suitable information made available. Education and recommendations for risk management should include preparation for last minute schedule changes as well as awareness of increase in risky behaviour which can happen in travellers. Manage timing of travel to avoid high-risk times/areas. There is a higher risk in travellers with children including increased risk of death from road trauma and drowning, plus increased risk from infectious diseases, bites, stings and poisons.
