Take some time to consider any potential risks in the area you are visiting and if you are pregnant or have existing illness, seek specific advice from your doctor.

There has been much publicity about the problems caused by long haul flights.

Diarrhoea of some kind affects a high proportion of travellers. It may simply be caused by a change of diet or be due to contaminated food or water.

Take extra care with personal hygiene to avoid any risk of travellers' diarrhoea or hepatitis.

These are the major cause of serious health problems among travellers.

Insect bites and stings may be painful but they are rarely serious.

Jet lag is the feeling of disorientation experienced if you are flying across time zones.

Malaria is a potentially fatal disease caused by a parasite transmitted by certain types of mosquito.

Hepatitis B and HIV (Human Immuno-deficiency Virus)(AIDS) are risks in all parts of the world, to varying degrees, and can be transmitted sexually.

Make sure you have appropriate vaccinations in good time before your departure. Your doctor or nurse will be able to tell you which of these are advisable.

Make sure you have appropriate vaccinations in good time before your departure. Your doctor or nurse will be able to tell you which of these are advisable for your destination. Take advice about malaria prophylaxis if you are travelling to a risk area.