"With the holiday season having started for most South Africans, and looming large for the rest of us, the medical risks when planning a holiday are often the last thing you think about before embarking on a vacation," says Jackie Ensor, general manager of Netcare Travel Clinics. "However, travel can pose several health problems for the unprepared traveller."

Dr Jaco Folmer, medical director of Netcare Travel Clinics, has a handy five-point plan which highlights the health issues to consider when planning a trip:

The destination:
Certain destinations may have specific medical risks. For example, malaria, yellow fever, meningitis or hepatitis. Most of these diseases can be avoided by vaccination, prophylactic medication and proper food and water care.

The activities you plan
Are you white-water rafting, diving or going to be in the scorching sun on the beach for hours every day? Are you back-packing through rural Asia or bicycling through Spain? These activities could pose a risk to your health.

Your current health:
If you currently suffer from chronic medical conditions, you must make sure that it will not be aggravated by your planned trip and that you will be able to get the necessary medical attention if needed and even replacement medicine should yours get lost. Can you walk long distances with your chronic medical condition if needed? Do you require regular meals or have special dietary needs?

Your accommodation:
If you will be staying in a five-star air-conditioned beach resort in Mombasa, you have a different risk profile than when staying in a hut in rural Brazil with the locals, or on a house boat on Lake Kariba.

Duration and type of transport
If you will be spending long hours on an aeroplane, bus or train, you might be at risk of developing a deep vein thrombosis.

Wherever you go or stay and whatever you plan to do, it is always better to be prepared.

Always remember that the most important part of your holiday is to enjoy it, and to return home healthy!

For more information regarding health risks at your destination or during your trip, contact your nearest Netcare Travel Clinic.