United Kingdom : Travel Health

WARNING! This information is out-dated and likely to be inaccurate!

Researching Travel Plans

Please note that this health information about United Kingdom may be out-of-date. Always research the current health conditions and issues in any region you plan to visit prior to departure.

Infectious Diseases and Medical Concerns for United Kingdom

The following medical diseases or health concerns are more common in travel to United Kingdom (compared to the USA and other areas of the Western World):

• tick borne encephalitis
• travelers’ diarrhea
• cholera
• Escherichia coli diarrhea
• hepatitis A
• typhoid fever
• Insect born diseases
• parasitic diseases
• plague - risk for travelers is small
• toxoplasmosis
• hepatitis B
• Lyme disease

More Common Diseases and Medical Concerns for United Kingdom

The following health concerns or diseases are more commonly found in United Kingdom compared to the USA and other areas of the Western World:

• motor vehicle trauma - wear seatbelts and avoid night driving

Epidemics for United Kingdom

The following health concerns, diseases or comments are related to epidemics in United Kingdom:

• mumps - 2005 adolescents and young adults

Less Common Diseases and Health Concerns for United Kingdom

The following health concerns or medical diseases are less commonly found in United Kingdom compared to the USA and other areas of the Western World:

• bovine spongform encephalopathy / Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease

Uncommon or Rare Diseases and Medical Concerns for United Kingdom

These medical diseases or health concerns are uncommon or rare in United Kingdom:

• yellow fever - no risk although vaccination certificate may be required if coming from an infected area

Vaccinations for Travel to United Kingdom

The following medical vaccinations are desirable or helpful for travel to United Kingdom to prevent contagious diseases in United Kingdom:

• hepatitis A - or immune globulin (IG)
• hepatitis B - If you might be exposed to blood (for example, health-care workers), have sexual contact with the local population, stay longer than 6 months, or be exposed through medical treatment.
• As needed, booster doses for tetanus, diphtheria

Preventions or Health Precautions for Travel to United Kingdom

Any health risk of travel to United Kingdom may be reduced by the following precautionary health measures when visiting United Kingdom:

• Never eat undercooked ground beef and poultry, raw eggs, and unpasteurized dairy products - risk of bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) and new variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease [nvCJD]
• high rate of motor vehicle trauma - avoid night driving and wear seatbelts
• mosquito bite prevention
• insect bite protection
• avoid drinking non-treated water - only drink bottled or canned water
• eat only thoroughly cooked food or fruits and vegetables you have peeled yourself
• to prevent fungal and parasitic infections, keep feet clean and dry, and do not go barefoot
• always use latex condoms to reduce the risk of HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases
• although risk is low, don’t eat food purchased from street vendors
• don’t drink beverages with ice
• don’t share needles with anyone
• don’t handle animals (especially monkeys, dogs, and cats), to avoid bites and serious diseases (including rabies and plague - risk for travelers is small)
• use sunblock and take sunglasses and a hat

Other Relevant Issues for Travel to United Kingdom

The following may be issues relevant to travel to United Kingdom:

• high level medical care where facilities are comparable to other industrialised countries is available throughout the country
• those appearing to not be in good health may be subject to a medical exam which may include testing for HIV