Causes of illness, injury and mortality
| Potential risk when travelling to India | What advice can you give to help reduce these risks? |
|---|---|
| Rural Area No access to medical services Risk of bites, no access to clean water Accidents infectious diseases | Advise patient to view government website to see latest guidelines. Advise patient to identify where local clinic/hospital is as soon as they arrive. |
| Staying in hotel Food poisoning Gastro-enteritis Pool accidents Alcohol excess all inclusive Fire | Advise re drinking water. Advise re alcohol and drugs etc. |
| Holiday Lack of inhibitions | Advise re alcohol and drugs etc. |
| Diabetes Control of blood sugar Running out of medication | Advise patient to identify where local clinic/hospital is as soon as they arrive. |
| Disability Access problems | Inform airline of any disability aids. Check hotels and locations visiting on accessibility and call ahead if necessary. |
| Mental Health Worsening MH Lack of medication Stressful | Assess mental health and give advice re travel. |
| Asthma Triggers No inhalers running out | Address Chronic Disease management and risks e.g. India has poor air quality may affect asthma. |
| Arthritis Worsening pain/more walking | Advise patient to identify where local clinic/hospital is as soon as they arrive. |
| Medication Timeline Forgetting medication Controlled drugs | Advise re medication. Check if on steroids. |
| Infectious Diseases Malaria Typhoid Rabies | Assess vaccinations needed. Advise and document advice Malaria prophylaxis. |
Other risks to think about;
Trauma
Gastro-intestinal problems
Respiratory infections
Skin infections
Sexually Transmitted Diseases
Pre-existing conditions
Environment – sun burn etc
FGM
