Visiting family and friends in foreign countries

Latest update: 18 October 2019 - Authors: Mieke Croughs, Ula Maniewski-Kelner

Studies show that, in some countries, people visiting relatives or friends are at increased risk of contracting certain diseases, such as malaria, tuberculosis and some food-borne infections.

Risk areas

Not only all countries in Africa, Asia and Latin America with a lower standard of hygiene, but also Mediterranean countries such as Morocco.

Prevention

Ask your GP or a doctor in a travel clinic for advice well in advance of your departure.

Protect yourself against mosquito bites from dusk through to sunrise.
Take preventive malaria tablets if recommended, even if your family or friends that live locally do not take these tablets and start before departure.
Take into consideration that malaria treatment may not be reliable in some countries.

Eat only foods that have been safely prepared and do not drink unpurified water.

Always use condoms during sexual contact with a new partner.

If you have been in close contact with individuals who had a cough in a country where tuberculosis is common, have a tuberculosis test performed two to three months after you return.

In case of symptoms

Seek medical advice if you suffer any symptoms.

Do you know your destination? Inform yourself about the most important health risks and vaccinations for your country of destination.

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