Foreign office issues health advice for visitors to Italy, Greece or Spain this summer
As summer approaches, many Brits are preparing to jet off to exotic locations in search of some much-needed sunshine. However, before you board that plane, it's essential to be aware of the latest health and safety advice.
While vaccination certificates aren't compulsory for entry into popular European destinations such as Spain, Italy, and Greece, you might be surprised to learn that a few are recommended for your personal safety. With this in mind, we've compiled some tips from the National Travel Health Network and Centre's Travel Health Pro and the Government's Foreign Office to ensure you stay healthy whilst abroad.
At present, specific vaccination certificates are not required to enter Spain under International Health Regulations. Nonetheless, Travel Health Pro advises holidaymakers to ensure they are up-to-date with routine jabs recommended in the UK.
This includes both the diphtheria-tetanus-polio and measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccines. Tetanus, in particular, is a potentially fatal condition caused by bacteria entering a wound.
The infection is widespread globally and typically occurs when an open wound comes into contact with dirt or manure. Travellers are therefore urged to clean any injuries thoroughly and seek medical attention for 'animal bites/scratches, burns or wounds contaminated with soil'.
Furthermore, it's worth noting the risk of rabies in the African territories of Ceuta and Melilla in Spain. The rest of Spain, including the Balearic Islands and Canary Islands, is believed to have no or minimal risk.
Rabies, a rare but grievous disease often transmitted through bites or scratches from infected animals, has prompted NHS warnings due to its high mortality rate post-symptom onset.
For those who plan to visit Ceuta and Melilla, pre-exposure rabies jabs are suggested, especially for tourists engaging in 'higher-risk activities' like cycling or running.
The Foreign Office has also urged sightseers to check Spain's latest vaccination guidance at least eight weeks before a trip. If they fall ill while on holiday, they can dial 112 and ask for an ambulance.
"Contact your insurance or medical assistance company quickly if you’re referred to a medical facility for treatment," the Foreign Office has said.
Currently, there is no requirement for vaccine certificates for travellers to Italy. However, British visitors are encouraged to ensure they are up to date with routine vaccinations like MMR and diphtheria-tetanus-polio.
Travellers are also advised to be vigilant about tick-borne encephalitis, a viral infection spread by tick bites that, although present in the UK, is also found across various European territories and Asia.
After being bitten, people may suffer from a high temperature, fatigue, and nausea, which can intensify to more severe symptoms within weeks or even days. Infected ticks are particularly common in woodlands, farmland, and even city parks, so getting vaccinated can significantly reduce this risk.
"All travellers should avoid tick bites during outdoor activities, apply insect repellent frequently and follow tick bite avoidance advice," Travel Health Pro has explained. "Travellers should check their skin and clothes regularly for ticks and remove them as soon as possible with a recommended technique. Wearing light-coloured clothes makes it easier to spot ticks.
"Travellers should not eat or drink any unpasteurised milk products." The guidance site also highlighted the rare but potential threat of bat lyssaviruses, or bat rabies.
Thankfully, the risk to most travellers is low, although those engaging in more adventurous activities, such as caving, may be at a higher risk. Pre-exposure vaccines are therefore suggested for certain visitors.
The Foreign Office has urged tourists to review Italy's latest vaccination advice at least eight weeks prior to their trip. If they become unwell while on holiday, they can ring 112 and request an ambulance.
British holidaymakers are being urged to ensure they're up-to-date with their vaccinations before jetting off to Greece, despite jab certificates not being mandatory for entry. Those with certain health conditions or job-related risks might need additional vaccines.
Travel Health Pro has highlighted that 'most' travellers should be vigilant about tetanus, a bacterial infection found in soil, and 'some' should be aware of the risk from bat lyssaviruses, with UK-available vaccinations offering protection against these health concerns.
Advice from the UK Foreign Office has also stressed: "Treatment and facilities are generally good on the mainland, but may be limited on the islands. The standards of nursing and aftercare, particularly in the state sector, is not to the usual standard of the UK. The public ambulance service is basic. There are serious shortages of ambulances on some islands.
"If you are uninsured, you may not be able to get medical treatment or diagnostic tests from private doctors in Greece, only from public hospitals and primary healthcare centres."
In case of an emergency while in Greece, tourists can call 112 or 166 to request an ambulance.
Daily Express
