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Blood Transfusions & Other

USA, Japan, Canada & Western Europe screen blood for HIV, Hep B etc. In other countries it may be necessary to ask for this to be done. Ensure disposable equipment is used for blood transfusion and disposable syringes and needles are used for injections. Sterile Needle and suture packs, temporary dental amalgam filling kits are available from MASTA. (see reference sheet). If rabies vaccination is required whilst overseas (following a bite or scratch from possible rabid animal), insist on seeing a single dose ampoule drawn up with a disposable syringe and needle. It is dangerous to delay this until you return.

Scuba Divers
People who engage in underwater activities such as scuba diving should not travel in aircraft for at least 24hrs after their final dive, as reduction in air pressure at altitude may lead to gas bubble formation in the blood stream (causing the "bends"). Also Lariam (mefloquine) should be avoided owing to high incidence of disorientation and coordination side effects

Snake, scorpion or spider Bite
Poisonous snakes occur in many parts of the world. As for snake bite within Australia the general principles of

• immediately apply a firm broad bandage
• immobilise the limb with a splint
• leave the bandage and splint in place until medical care and antivenom available.

Traditional First Aid measures (incision and suction, tourniquets ) are potentially harmful and should not be used. Antivenom is the only specific treatment and there is convincing evidence that the benefits of antivenom outweigh the risk of antivenom reactions. (p 34 WHO year book 2002 -)

Information mostly taken from: "International Travel and Health" (WHO year book - internet only)
Australian Immunisation Handbook, 8th Edition - 9/2003 - Part1 - Part 2 & Part 3 (large pdf files)
Centre for Disease Control, USA -  www.cdc.gov/travel Travel Health Seminar Oct 96, June 97,Feb 98, March 99, May 2000, August 2002 & March 2005 - Victorian Medical Postgraduate Foundation.
Manual of Travel Medicine, Melbourne, Oct 2004. Updated 18/09/2005.  Additional references & disclaimer.

  Last Update: 14-Sep-2005