Travel Health News

Vulnerability to anthrax varies

People's susceptibility to anthrax toxin is determined by their genes and can vary greatly among individuals, a new study says.

Blood clots and economy class

There's no proof that flying economy-class increases your chances of dangerous blood clots, according to new guidelines from medical specialists.

Minibus and bicycle deaths

According to the South African Institute of Race Relations, minibus taxi deaths are as frequent as accidents and deaths involving cyclists.

Pilots suffer fatigue when landing

Pilots on more than one in 20 flights admit they suffer fatigue when they begin their descent to airports.

East versus west: jet lag

The way the human circadian clock sets itself may explain why jet lag tends to affect people more severely when they're flying west to east, compared to the other direction.

Send up the yoga mat

Hotel chains are delivering everything from yoga videos to recumbent bicycles to guests who prefer to work out their jet lag, or shape up for that business meeting.

Diabetics travelling by air beware

Changes in cabin pressure during flights may cause insulin pumps to deliver too much or too little of the medication – possibly putting sensitive diabetics at risk.

Tips on travelling with kids

From long plane rides to cramped road trips, family vacations can spell trouble, but parents can take steps before leaving home to help their families return with fond memories rather than horror stories, a paediatrician says.

Yellow fever travel update

The South African National Department of Health has issued a statement regarding Yellow Fever vaccination requirements for travellers, and shortages of the vaccine.

World's neglected tropical diseases

A north-eastern Thailand province is preparing to test its population for a parasitic worm to detect early signs of bile duct cancer, which is caused by eating raw seafood.