Health Advice
To obtain a health brief tailored to your journey call the MASTA Travelers Health Line. The phone number is 0906 8224 100 (calls charged at 60p/min).
For general travel health advice visit the website at www.masta.org

WARNING
Travellers were warned yesterday that dirty banknotes infected by lethal bacteria can kill.
Microbes which can cause tuberculosis, pneumonia, lung abscesses and tonsillitis are found on 80 per cent of banknotes. Bacteria found commonly on low denomination notes can cause the sore throat infection pharyngitis and the stomach upset gastroenteritis. Such microbes are responsible for many of the serious holiday maladies often ascribed to contaminated food or water. Holidaymakers are warned to wash their hands after handling money.
Other microbes found to be prevalent on notes were synechococcus which causes meningitis, helicobacter pylori
which causes peptic ulcers, and micrococcus which causes genital tract infections. The bugs on banknotes infect the body through scratches on hands or when the hand touches the mouth or nose.
Money most likely to be infected was found in street markets where fish and meat were sold. Many notes are soiled and held together with tape."The bugs can infect new bank notes but prefer damaged or soiled notes" said Dr Sudip Dey of the RSIC.
"The risk is serious. Many notes in India are soiled and held together with bits of sticky tape. These notes are potential killers. "The locals are immune but travellers are not and touching these notes can be fatal. "The local practice of licking one's fingers before counting notes is the cause of most contamination. The bugs feed on the fresh saliva while they lie in wait for fresh victims and then find their way into people's bodies. "Travellers with cuts on their handsshould avoid handling money altogether and should wear gloves.

www.cdc.gov
Maintained by the American Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, this site has an excellent world-wide Health Topics A-Z section. With up-to-date disease outbreak and immunisation advice, specific information for travelling with children and for travellers with special needs, this is a one-stop site with everything you need to know and more.

www.nomadtravel.co.uk
Nomad Travel provides a list of what to pack for a safe trip and a vaccination check list. The online travel shop sells a great range of medical kits, mosquito nets and insect repellents to keep insects away!

www.fco.gov.uk/travel
The official site of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, this offers updated worldwide advice on avoiding epidemics, political unrest and natural disasters and information on aircraft safety. A definite must for the those heading off to more adventurous locations.

www.abi.org.uk
For independent travel insurance advice. Created and updated by the Association of British Insurers, this site also contains useful information for those intending to drive their car abroad.

www.istm.org
If you suspect that you may have picked up some foreign bug on your travels then this is the site for you. The International Society of Tropical Medicine lists contact addresses, telephone numbers and e-mail contacts for travel clinics in many countries.

Yellow Fever Vaccinations
Due to problems at the production facility there is a shortage of doses for yellow fever vaccinations. If you plan to visit areas where this disease is prevalent it is a good idea to make arrangements immediately as yellow fever can be fatal. Expect to pay around £30 per dose.
The number of reported cases has been on the increase in recent years due an increase in the mosquito population. In the past it has been confined to remote areas of tropical Africa and South/Central America, it is now appearing in urban areas.
Travelers can phone the Masta advisory service (0906 8224 100) for information concerning their destination. The BA clinic (01276 685040) can give advice concerning availability of the vaccine at your nearest BA travel clinic. Some GPs and larger health centres also have facilities. The Fleet Street Travel Clinic (020 7353 5678) provides a walk in service for urgent cases.

Treated Mosquito Nets
A recent study by the South Africa Medical Research Council compared the impact of using insecticide treated mosquito nets with insecticide house spraying for malaria control in KwaZulu Natal. A 31% reduction in malaria cases was reported in areas where treated nets were used, compared with an 18 % increase in those areas where houses were sprayed.
Travelers to South Africa should be aware that there is a year round risk of malaria in low altitude areas in Northern Province, northeastern KwaZulu Natal and Mpumalanga Province (including Kruger National Park). It is advisable to take the recommended anti-malarials and to take steps to avoid mosquito bites if in high-risk areas between dusk and dawn.

Pregnancy and Flying

Did you know that most airlines have rules concerning pregnant passengers?
It is not generally known that the Civil Aviation Authority in Great Britain has no regulations concerning pregnant passengers. Each airline has it's own rules, here  are a few. Pregnant women who are planning to fly are advised to obtain the relevant regulations before booking.
If you are pregnant and attempt to fly you may not find out about these rules until you are about to board the aircraft. Then you may not be allowed to fly.

Virgin Atlantic
After 28 weeks a doctor's certificate is required . From 35 weeks, it will carry a pregnant woman  only for compassionate or urgent reasons if accompanied by a doctor or nurse.

Britannia
Will carry pregnant women up to 36 weeks on the return flight on short haul. On long haul it is 34 weeks. No medical certification is required.

Air 2000
Recommends that all expectant mothers carry a medical certificate. After 28 weeks of pregnancy they require notice of intention to travel and a recent medical certificate. This certificate must confirm the stage of pregnancy for the homeward flight and fitness to fly.

BA
A medical certificate is required between 28 and the limit which is 36 weeks.

Airtours
A medical certificate covering the return date must be supplied from 28 to 35 weeks. After 35 weeks women can only fly in special circumstances and provided they are insured.

Monarch & British Caledonion
A medical certificate confirming fitness to fly after 28 weeks. No flights after 34 weeks.

Fear Of Flying

About 20% suffer from fear of flying, the following courses are provided for sufferers.

Virgin Atlantic
Gatwick/Manchester 01423 714900
Highly acclaimed one day course with over 95% success rate.
Course includes optional flight at end of the day.
Cost about £199 + VAT.

Britannia Airways
East Midlands Airport
Derby. 01582 424155
Cost is about £150 inc flight

Aer Lingus
01 886 6983 in Ireland
10 one hour sessions over 5 weeks
Includes a flight cost about £IR£400

Aviatours (BA aproved)
Heathrow, Manchester, Glasgow and Birmingham.
01252 793 250
Cost about £215

Or read the book
The Easy Way to Enjoy Flying by Allen Carr
Penguin £5.99

If You Feel Unwell After Your Journey?
The most dangerous aspect of a disease contracted abroad is the difficulty UK doctors may have in recognizing it, and misdiagnosis can prove fatal. Last week, both the Royal Free Hospital (0171-830 2885) and Tropical Screening Services (0797-1885862) launched hotlines for those who suspect they have contracted a disease while abroad and who are dissatisfied with their GP’s advice. The Royal Free’s centre covers everything from pre-travel advice to fear of flying, as well as the Returning Travelers’ Clinic. Tropical screening Services, which operates on Saturdays, deals exclusively with the latter, with consultations for £75. It says: "Tests will be faster and more reliable than GPs’"

The Cost Of Vaccinations
This is a guide to prices of vaccinations for the traveler. As you see you can save money by shopping around. Of course most places you are likely to go to do not require these precautions. The Department of Health provides an informative leaflet T5 obtainable at main post offices and travel agents or call 0800 555777. The health line run by the Medical Advisory Service for Travelers Abroad at 09068 224100 will cost you 50p a minute. This service will give the most up-to-date information.