Travel Health Advice

Travelling should be an enjoyable experience, and nothing is more miserable than getting sick while sightseeing overseas. The difference between enjoyment and misery is just a little preparation before travel. 

According to a local survey, around 7-41% of Hong Kong resident travellers experienced health-related problems during travel or after return. Three-fifths of the health-related problems, such as diarrhoea, abdominal pain and nausea, are preventable. As the old saying goes, prevention is better than cure. To minimise risk of infection during travelling, nothing is more crucial than taking appropriate measures in personal, food and environmental hygiene. 

Travellers are advised to make appointment for a basic body check-up with their Family Physicians or Travel Health Centres 4 to 6 weeks before travel. Medical advice should be sought regarding necessary vaccinations or prophylaxes. Moreover, if symptoms like fever, persistent diarrhoea, vomiting, jaundice, urinary disturbances and skin problems occur within 3 months after return, medical advice should be solicited. 

Travellers can receive a one-stop service of body check-up, vaccination administration and prescriptions at the Outpatient Department. 

Please note that vaccinations against Japanese Encephalitis (JE), Cholera, Plague and Yellow Fever are not available in the Hospital. Our Resident Medical Officers may refer those who need certain vaccinations to other specialised centres.

For more information about healthy travel and vaccinations, please visit the following websites:
Port Health Travel Health Centre: http://www.travelhealth.gov.hk
World Health Organisation: http://www.who.int/topics/travel/en/