Tsunami Disaster South East Asia – Advice for the Public
If you have recently returned from visiting a country that was affected
by the south Asian earthquake and tsunamis we would like reassure you that your risks of having acquired
an infectious illness as a result of this experience are currently believed to be low.
At this time you may be experiencing emotional or physical symptoms
as a result of trauma and injury and you should seek advice from your general practitioner (GP) if you
have any health concerns at all. Although your risk of having acquired an infectious illness is believed
to be low you should see your GP if you have any of the following symptoms:
- Any wounds that are failing to heal or getting worse
- Any diarrhoeal illness, you should see your doctor promptly to enable a diagnosis to be made and to receive appropriate treatment.
It is also important to know that if you do have these symptoms then
good personal hygiene (in particular hand washing) will help protect your friends and family.
- If you have been taking anti-malarial medicine you should complete the course on your return to the UK and if you develop any fever or flu-like illness then see your doctor immediately.
You can access updated health advice at www.hpa.org.uk
