Travel and holidays
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- COVID-19 information for travellers
Find out about travelling to and from Victoria, including both interstate and international advice.
- Medical tourism and insurance
People may choose to travel overseas to seek medical or surgical treatment that is unavailable in their home country. This is called medical tourism, and it's a booming industry worldwide. People thinking about medical tourism should carefully consider the risks, their legal options if something goes wrong, and what their insurance covers.
- Overseas travel – health tips
The most common travel-related illnesses are gastrointestinal diseases from poorly prepared foods or untreated water.
- Safe sex
Safe sex is sexual contact that doesn't involve the exchange of semen, vaginal fluids or blood between partners.
- Travel immunisation
If you are travelling overseas, check with your doctor well in advance to find out what immunisations you need.
- Who provides immunisations in Victoria
Immunisations in Victoria are provided by local councils, GPs, nurses in medical clinics and community health services, maternal and child health nurses, travel clinics, pharmacists and hospitals.
- Altitude sickness
Being young and fit doesn't reduce your risk of altitude sickness.
- Asthma and travel
Before taking your trip, visit your doctor to make sure your asthma is under control well before you leave.
- Deep vein thrombosis
Long international flights are suspected of contributing to deep vein thrombosis in susceptible people.
- Fear of flying
About one in six people have a significant fear that prevents them from flying, so fear of flying is common.
- Food poisoning - prevention
You can minimise the risk of food poisoning by taking simple precautions.
- Holiday stress
Holidays are supposed to offer relaxation and recuperation, but some people find them disappointingly stressful.
- Jet lag
If you suffer badly from jet lag, it may be worthwhile considering a westerly travel route if possible.
- Motion sickness
Motion sickness may occur in anyone, but some people are particularly sensitive.
- Sunburn
Even mild sunburn can cause permanent skin damage and may increase your risk of skin cancer.
- Swimmer's ear
Swimmer's ear can be triggered by exposure to water or mechanical damage due to overzealous cleaning.
- Traveller's diarrhoea
The risk of traveller's diarrhoea is higher where sanitation and hygiene standards are poor.
- Travelling with an allergy
If you have an allergy, visit your doctor before you travel, especially if you are at risk of a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) or an asthma attack.
- Bird flu (avian influenza)
The symptoms of bird flu in humans are similar to those of regular influenza.
- Buruli ulcer
Since the ulcer gets bigger with time, early diagnosis and prompt treatment of Buruli ulcer can keep skin loss to a minimum.
- COVID-19 information for travellers
Find out about travelling to and from Victoria, including both interstate and international advice.
- Dengue virus disease
Dengue virus disease (dengue fever, or ‘dengue’) is a viral disease transmitted by mosquitoes in many tropical and subtropical parts of the world.
- Ebola virus disease (EVD)
Ebola virus is a rare disease that can causes severe symptoms and can be life-threatening.
- Hepatitis
Hepatitis is an umbrella term for several diseases that affect the liver.
- HIV and AIDS
All about HIV and AIDS including HIV transmission, how HIV spreads, prevention, symptoms, treatment, testing, letting sexual partners know, reducing stigma and where to get help.
- Leptospirosis
Leptospirosis is a disease spread from animals to humans, caused by infection with the bacteria Leptospira.
- Measles
Measles can cause serious and sometimes fatal complications, including pneumonia and brain inflammation.
- Post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) for HIV prevention
PEP (post-exposure prophylaxis) is antiviral medication to prevent HIV infection. Learn what is PEP, what PEP is for, where to get PEP, important reminders about PEP and where to get help.
- Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) for HIV prevention
Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is an oral medication to prevent HIV in people at risk. All about PrEP, what PrEP is for, dosage, where to get PrEP, PrEP side effects, PrEP health checks and support.
- Travel health - yellow fever immunisation
If you are travelling or passing through areas infected with yellow fever, some countries require you to be vaccinated.
- Traveller's diarrhoea
The risk of traveller's diarrhoea is higher where sanitation and hygiene standards are poor.
- Tuberculosis (TB)
Tuberculosis (TB) is spread when a person with an active infection coughs, laughs, sings or sneezes.
- Typhoid and paratyphoid
Signs, symptoms and prevention of typhoid and paratyphoid
- West Nile virus
All disease-carrying mosquitoes breed in water or require water to enable eggs to hatch
- Zika virus
Zika virus is a mosquito-borne virus. There is no cure, specific treatment or vaccine for Zika virus.
- Christmas – tips to reduce the stress
Christmas doesn't have to be a financial headache if you plan ahead.
- Food safety for summer celebrations (video)
In the hot weather there is a higher risk of food poisoning but if you follow some simple rules when you prepare, handle and store food it will significantly reduce your risk of getting sick.
- Holiday stress
Holidays are supposed to offer relaxation and recuperation, but some people find them disappointingly stressful.
- Partying safely at schoolies
Every year, Year 12 students head to schoolies (leavers) to celebrate the end of school life. Includes alcohol and drug safety, tips, how to prepare, what to pack and what to do in an emergency.
- Allergic reactions emergency first aid
Severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis) and asthma attacks need urgent emergency first aid. In an emergency, always call triple zero (000).
- Anaphylaxis
Anaphylaxis is a severe allergic reaction that requires urgent medical attention.
- Asthma emergency first aid
Asthma attacks need urgent emergency first aid. In an emergency, always call triple zero (000).
- Bites and stings – first aid
If you are bitten or stung by an insect or animal, apply first aid and seek medical treatment as soon as possible.
- Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR)
CPR is a life-saving skill that everyone should learn from an accredited organisation.
- Drug overdose
Alcohol, medications, illegal drugs and some herbal remedies can all cause damage if an overdose is taken.
- Epilepsy - first aid and safety
Good seizure management is an important part of reducing the risks associated with epilepsy.
- First aid basics and DRSABCD
Some knowledge of basic first aid can mean the difference between life and death.
- First aid kits
Your first aid kit should be organised, properly stocked and available at all times.
- Head and spinal injuries first aid
Head injuries can be serious and require urgent medical attention. A hard blow to the head from a fall, knock or assault can injure the brain, even when there are no visible signs of trauma to the scalp or face. Symptoms of serious head injury include wounds, altered consciousness, clear fluid leaking from the eyes or nose, black eyes or bruises behind the ears, vision changes, nausea and vomiting.
- Mushroom poisoning
Mushrooms are a type of fungus. Australia has many varieties of wild-growing fungi, many of which are edible. However, a few types are poisonous or even deadly.
- Poisoning and child safety
Call the Poisons Information Centre on 13 11 26 immediately if you suspect your child has been poisoned, given the wrong medicine or the wrong dose of medicine.
- Spiders
Australia has about 2,000 species of spider but most species are relatively harmless to humans.
- Fishing - eat your catch with care
People who fish in the Lower Yarra and Maribyrnong rivers need to be careful about eating their catch because of the risk of chemical exposure.
- Food poisoning - prevention
You can minimise the risk of food poisoning by taking simple precautions.
- Food safety and eggs
To enjoy eggs safely – buy clean, keep cool and cook well.
- Food safety and storage
High-risk food should be kept at 5 °C or below, and above 60 °C to avoid the temperature danger zone and food poisoning.
- Food safety for summer celebrations (video)
In the hot weather there is a higher risk of food poisoning but if you follow some simple rules when you prepare, handle and store food it will significantly reduce your risk of getting sick.
- Food safety outdoors
Food poisoning is a real risk when taking food outside the home, especially in warmer weather.
- Food safety when cooking
Most foods should be cooked to at least 75 °C to minimise the risk of food poisoning.
- Food safety when eating out
If you have any doubt about the safety of food when you’re out, don’t eat it.
- Food safety while travelling
Travelling, eating and drinking go together but unfortunately, traveller's diarrhoea and other food-related illnesses can sometimes come along for the ride.
- Mushroom poisoning
Mushrooms are a type of fungus. Australia has many varieties of wild-growing fungi, many of which are edible. However, a few types are poisonous or even deadly.
- Altitude sickness
Being young and fit doesn't reduce your risk of altitude sickness.
- Asthma and travel
Before taking your trip, visit your doctor to make sure your asthma is under control well before you leave.
- Deep vein thrombosis
Long international flights are suspected of contributing to deep vein thrombosis in susceptible people.
- Jet lag
If you suffer badly from jet lag, it may be worthwhile considering a westerly travel route if possible.
- Motion sickness
Motion sickness may occur in anyone, but some people are particularly sensitive.
- Pregnancy and travel
Travelling to developing nations is not encouraged during pregnancy, due to the risk of disease and the standard of medical facilities.
- Travel health - yellow fever immunisation
If you are travelling or passing through areas infected with yellow fever, some countries require you to be vaccinated.
- Traveller's diarrhoea
The risk of traveller's diarrhoea is higher where sanitation and hygiene standards are poor.
- Travelling with an allergy
If you have an allergy, visit your doctor before you travel, especially if you are at risk of a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) or an asthma attack.
- Asthma and travel
Before taking your trip, visit your doctor to make sure your asthma is under control well before you leave.
- Barmah Forest virus infection
Barmah Forest virus (BFV) disease can cause joint inflammation and pain, fatigue and a rash of variable appearance. A full recovery can be expected.
- Beaches and water quality
Water quality of natural water sources, such as beaches and rivers, can vary greatly. Keeping a lookout for poor water quality (such as water that is discoloured, murky or smells unpleasant) will help you decide when it is safe to enter the water. By paying attention to a few noticeable signs, you can keep yourself safe.
- Bites and stings – first aid
If you are bitten or stung by an insect or animal, apply first aid and seek medical treatment as soon as possible.
- Digestive system explained
The digestive tract can be thought of as a long muscular tube with digestive organs attached along the way.
- Fishing - preventing injury
Never go fishing alone, always fish with someone else and, ideally, with two other people.
- Food safety outdoors
Food poisoning is a real risk when taking food outside the home, especially in warmer weather.
- Murray Valley encephalitis
Murray Valley encephalitis (MVE) is a serious viral infection, spread by mosquito bites.
- Swimming - keeping the water clean
There are simple steps for all visitors to follow to keep pool water clean for healthy swimming.
- Water from natural resources
Drinking untreated water, such as creek water, bore water and sometimes even rainwater can lead to illnesses including gastroenteritis.
- Water safety for children
Toddlers are most at risk of drowning because they are mobile and curious but don't understand the danger of water.
- Breastfeeding and travel
Breastmilk protects your baby from illness and infection, so it is the safest drink for your baby while travelling.
- Partying safely at schoolies
Every year, Year 12 students head to schoolies (leavers) to celebrate the end of school life. Includes alcohol and drug safety, tips, how to prepare, what to pack and what to do in an emergency.
- Pregnancy and travel
Travelling to developing nations is not encouraged during pregnancy, due to the risk of disease and the standard of medical facilities.
- Barmah Forest virus infection
Barmah Forest virus (BFV) disease can cause joint inflammation and pain, fatigue and a rash of variable appearance. A full recovery can be expected.
- Buruli ulcer
Since the ulcer gets bigger with time, early diagnosis and prompt treatment of Buruli ulcer can keep skin loss to a minimum.
- Dengue virus disease
Dengue virus disease (dengue fever, or ‘dengue’) is a viral disease transmitted by mosquitoes in many tropical and subtropical parts of the world.
- Malaria
Travellers who visit malarial locations should avoid mosquito bites and take anti-malarial drugs.
- Mosquito management in Victoria
Some mosquitoes can carry diseases that are transmitted through mosquito bites. It is often necessary for landowners and land occupiers to manage mosquito numbers through an integrated mosquito manage
- Mosquitoes - mosquito-proof your holiday checklist
Use this simple checklist and take action to prevent mosquitoes from spoiling your holiday. Mosquitoes can carry diseases be prepared and avoid mosquito bites.
- Mosquitoes - protect your home checklist
Use this simple checklist and take action to prevent mosquitoes from entering your home. The best protection from mosquito-borne diseases is to avoid mosquito bites.
- Mosquitoes can carry diseases
You can reduce the risk of mosquito bites if you get rid of potential mosquito breeding sites around your home.
- Murray Valley encephalitis
Murray Valley encephalitis (MVE) is a serious viral infection, spread by mosquito bites.
- Ross River virus infection
Most people recover from Ross River virus disease, although some people have symptoms for a year or more
- Travel health - yellow fever immunisation
If you are travelling or passing through areas infected with yellow fever, some countries require you to be vaccinated.
- West Nile virus
All disease-carrying mosquitoes breed in water or require water to enable eggs to hatch
- Zika virus
Zika virus is a mosquito-borne virus. There is no cure, specific treatment or vaccine for Zika virus.
- Beaches and water quality
Water quality of natural water sources, such as beaches and rivers, can vary greatly. Keeping a lookout for poor water quality (such as water that is discoloured, murky or smells unpleasant) will help you decide when it is safe to enter the water. By paying attention to a few noticeable signs, you can keep yourself safe.
- Bushfire preparation advice
Being prepared for a bushfire helps you cope better in an emergency.
- Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR)
CPR is a life-saving skill that everyone should learn from an accredited organisation.
- Child safety in the car
Taking care to restrain children correctly while travelling in a car is the best way to prevent injuries.
- How to cope and stay safe in extreme heat
Know the effects of extreme heat, who is at risk and how you can prepare yourself and others.
- Partying safely – tips for parents
With a few simple plans in place, a good time can be had by all at a teenage party – even the parents.
- Partying safely at schoolies
Every year, Year 12 students head to schoolies (leavers) to celebrate the end of school life. Includes alcohol and drug safety, tips, how to prepare, what to pack and what to do in an emergency.
- Safe sex
Safe sex is sexual contact that doesn't involve the exchange of semen, vaginal fluids or blood between partners.
- Altitude sickness
Being young and fit doesn't reduce your risk of altitude sickness.
- Asthma and travel
Before taking your trip, visit your doctor to make sure your asthma is under control well before you leave.
- Fear of flying
About one in six people have a significant fear that prevents them from flying, so fear of flying is common.
- First aid basics and DRSABCD
Some knowledge of basic first aid can mean the difference between life and death.
- Jet lag
If you suffer badly from jet lag, it may be worthwhile considering a westerly travel route if possible.
- Mosquitoes - mosquito-proof your holiday checklist
Use this simple checklist and take action to prevent mosquitoes from spoiling your holiday. Mosquitoes can carry diseases be prepared and avoid mosquito bites.
- Pregnancy and travel
Travelling to developing nations is not encouraged during pregnancy, due to the risk of disease and the standard of medical facilities.
- Travelling with an allergy
If you have an allergy, visit your doctor before you travel, especially if you are at risk of a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) or an asthma attack.
- COVID-19 information for travellers
Find out about travelling to and from Victoria, including both interstate and international advice.
- Hepatitis
Hepatitis is an umbrella term for several diseases that affect the liver.
- Influenza (flu) – immunisation
Influenza (flu) immunisation is recommended for people in known high risk groups.
- Measles
Measles can cause serious and sometimes fatal complications, including pneumonia and brain inflammation.
- Travel health - yellow fever immunisation
If you are travelling or passing through areas infected with yellow fever, some countries require you to be vaccinated.
- Travel immunisation
If you are travelling overseas, check with your doctor well in advance to find out what immunisations you need.
- Tuberculosis (TB)
Tuberculosis (TB) is spread when a person with an active infection coughs, laughs, sings or sneezes.
- Typhoid and paratyphoid
Signs, symptoms and prevention of typhoid and paratyphoid
- Who provides immunisations in Victoria
Immunisations in Victoria are provided by local councils, GPs, nurses in medical clinics and community health services, maternal and child health nurses, travel clinics, pharmacists and hospitals.
- Beaches and water quality
Water quality of natural water sources, such as beaches and rivers, can vary greatly. Keeping a lookout for poor water quality (such as water that is discoloured, murky or smells unpleasant) will help you decide when it is safe to enter the water. By paying attention to a few noticeable signs, you can keep yourself safe.
- COVID-19 information for travellers
Find out about travelling to and from Victoria, including both interstate and international advice.
- How to survive a rip current (video)
Learn what to do if you find yourself in a rip current.
- Recent arrivals, asylum seekers and family support services
Provides an overview of family support programs and health services available to refugees and asylum seekers living in Victoria.