Travel health advice: respiratory tract infections

These are second only to diarrhoea as causes of illness in travellers due to infection.

The stress of travel, dry aircraft cabin atmosphere, smoking more than usual and crowding , for example, in airports, aircraft cabins, hotels and discotheques will also contribute. Sometimes respiratory symptoms are due to exposure to new allergens and city air pollution.

Influenza is most common in the southern hemisphere during their winter season, which is summer in the northern hemisphere and visa-versa. Vaccination should be considered for those at risk of serious disease.

Meningococcal infections are also spread through the respiratory route and there have been outbreaks in tourist resorts. Vaccination should be considered for those at risk in endemic areas during outbreaks.

Legionnaires disease has been linked to contaminated water used in water cooled air conditioning systems and sometimes showers.

These infections are difficult to prevent because of the ease with which they are spread from person to person. Those liable to chest infections may benefit from taking with them an 'emergency' course of antibiotics. 

If you are concerned about any of the above, seek advice from your own GP or nurse.  

The above advice is appropriate for the majority of travellers. If you are at all unsure as to what measures are suitable for you, (eg if you are pregnant, or are suffering from a condition requiring special medication), it is recommended that you talk to your health advisor. This page is produced by the Scottish Centre for infection and Environmental Health.