Aww, the perfect holiday lies just ahead. You have your new wardrobe, your new luggage, your travel documents are in order and your anxiously await your departure to the exotic location you’ve always dreamt of. But you may be missing the one thing that will make your holiday one to remember on your feet instead of at hospital.
Have you had your necessary immunizations? Depending on your destination, you have the potential to be exposed to tropical diseases and other nasty foes waiting to attack your holiday and your health, possibly for years to come, a holiday accident is never nice. Although many package holiday companies usually provide information on the necessary vaccines, it is ultimately your responsibility to protect yourself and your family against infectious and potentially fatal diseases as you prepare to travel.
Hepatitis is one of the most common diseases picked up abroad by unsuspecting travellers. Hep A is fairly common, as it is spread by contaminated water as a result of poor hygienic practices in kitchens and from poor sanitation. And although there is a vaccine to prevent contracting the disease, many never get immunized before travelling abroad.
Typhoid accompanies approximately 180 Brits home from abroad each year. Particularly common in India, Pakistan and Nepal, Typhoid is caused by Salmonella typhi or Salmonella paratyphi and is found in food or water contaminated with faeces. A vaccine shot before travel to high risk countries could save your life.
Mosquitoes carry the common tropical disease Malaria, which can be fatal if left untreated. Although Malaria is preventable with a course of medication before, during and after the trip abroad, an average of 1100 UK travelers contract Malaria while on holiday abroad each year. The mosquito also carries Yellow Fever; those travelling to South America or Africa to the jungles are at greatest risk.
Should you contract one of these diseases abroad due to the negligence of the tour package company, you may be entitled to compensation. Negligence would include unsanitary accommodations or travel conditions arranged by the company. However, should you contract a disease due to lack of immunizations, a claim would be unavailable to you.