The public hospital in Madrid reminds of the importance of health prevention in international travel: vaccinations, hygiene, and a basic first aid kit.
The Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases Service of the Gregorio Marañón University General Hospital, a public centre in the Community of Madrid, has launched a series of recommendations for those planning to travel abroad this summer. The aim is to prevent clinical conditions that could ruin holidays, as each year thousands of travellers leave Spain without knowing the appropriate health guidelines.
The hospital's microbiologist, Álvaro Irigoyen, insists that prevention starts months before departure. The first step is to visit an international vaccination centre or a travel clinic to assess what vaccinations are necessary based on the destination, the duration of the trip, the planned activities, and each person's health status.
There are mandatory vaccinations for entering some countries, such as yellow fever, poliomyelitis, or meningitis. In other areas, it may be necessary to take preventive treatment, for example against malaria. Additionally, specialists remind travellers to ensure that their routine vaccinations are up to date.
Hygiene and Food During the Trip
Once at the destination, basic hygiene measures are essential to reduce the risk of infections. The hospital recommends frequent hand washing, drinking bottled water if there are doubts about its potability, and avoiding ice, which may come from untreated water.
Regarding food, extreme caution should be exercised with undercooked foods or those bought from street vendors. Fruit should be peeled by the traveller themselves. It is also essential to protect against mosquito bites with repellents, clothing that covers the skin, and mosquito nets, especially to prevent diseases such as dengue or malaria.
The professionals at Marañón add that not only infections pose a risk. Traffic accidents are another common cause of health problems when travelling abroad. Maintaining good hydration, protecting oneself from the sun, and being cautious in adventure sports are other guidelines they highlight.
First Aid Kit and Symptoms on Return
A basic first aid kit with regular medication should not be missing from luggage, especially if following a chronic treatment. Dr. Irigoyen advises bringing more than the necessary amount, as some medications may not be available in the destination country. He also recommends including pain relievers, dressing materials, sunscreen, repellent, and oral rehydration salts.
The specialist warns that some illnesses acquired during travel may not manifest until days or weeks after returning. If fever, persistent diarrhoea, breathing difficulties, or skin lesions appear, especially after visiting a tropical country, it is important to see a doctor and always inform them of the visited destination. This information can be crucial for a correct diagnosis and effective treatment.
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