Whether you’re backpacking through the lush jungles of Peru, island-hopping in Thailand, or diving in the Philippines, travelling to exotic destinations in South East Asia or South America can be a thrilling adventure. But while immersing yourself in new cultures and climates, it’s crucial to prioritise your health. Far from home, even minor health issues can become major disruptions to your trip.
At Riverview Pharmacy in Sunderland, we specialise in helping travellers from across the North East – including Durham, Gateshead, Seaham, and Darlington – prepare for safe, healthy travels. Here are our top expert tips for staying healthy abroad, with special attention to some of the common risks travellers face in South East Asia and South America.
One of the most important steps before heading abroad is making sure you’re up-to-date with your travel vaccinations. In many parts of South East Asia and South America, diseases like typhoid, hepatitis A, yellow fever, and rabies are more common. Take a look at the NHS Fit For Travel website to see the vaccinations recommended for the individual countries you’re going to be visiting, or complete our travel vaccination service pre-screen.
Key Travel Vaccines to Consider:
Hepatitis A & B – Transmitted via contaminated food and water or bodily fluids.
Typhoid – Especially important in areas with poor sanitation.
Yellow Fever – Required for some South American countries, and proof of vaccination may be needed at border crossings.
Rabies – Worth considering if you’re going to rural areas or spending time around animals.
Japanese Encephalitis – A mosquito-borne virus found in rural parts of South East Asia.
Visit us at least 6–8 weeks before your departure to allow time for full vaccination protection. Our friendly team can assess your itinerary and medical history to build a personalised vaccine plan for the areas you’re visiting.
Planning to visit Cusco, La Paz, or Machu Picchu? These stunning destinations come with a risk: altitude sickness, which can affect anyone ascending over 2,500 metres, regardless of fitness level.
Common Symptoms:
Headache
Nausea
Fatigue
Dizziness
Prevention & Treatment:
Ascend gradually when possible and avoid flying directly from sea level to high altitudes.
Stay hydrated and rest upon arrival.
Speak to our pharmacists about altitude sickness medication – a medication that helps your body acclimatise more quickly and can ease symptoms.
Avoid alcohol in the first few days at altitude.
At Riverview Pharmacy, we can supply altitude sickness prevention tablets and offer tailored advice based on your travel plan.
Traveller’s diarrhoea is the most common health complaint among tourists in tropical and developing countries. It’s often caused by contaminated food or water, and while usually not dangerous, it can ruin your plans for days.
Prevention Tips:
Drink bottled or purified water only – avoid ice in drinks.
Eat hot, freshly cooked food – avoid salads and unpeeled fruits.
Wash hands regularly and carry alcohol hand sanitiser.
What to Pack:
Oral rehydration salts (ORS) to replace lost fluids and electrolytes.
Antidiarrhoeal medication like loperamide (Imodium) for short-term relief.
Antibiotics may be recommended if the risks of a destination, or to an individual, are high – ask us if this is suitable for your trip.
We stock all of these essentials at Riverview Pharmacy and can advise you on how to use them effectively.
Mosquitoes aren’t just annoying – they can carry dengue, malaria, Zika, and chikungunya. These are prevalent across many tropical regions in Asia and South America.
Essential Protection Measures:
Use DEET-based insect repellent (minimum 20–50%).
Wear long sleeves and trousers, especially at dawn and dusk.
Sleep under mosquito nets where needed.
Consider antimalarial tablets if travelling to malaria-prone areas such as parts of the Amazon, Cambodia, or Laos.
Our travel health clinic in Sunderland offers antimalarial medications and can help you understand your risk based on your destinations.
Even in urban areas, pharmacies might not stock the same medications you’re used to. A well-stocked travel health kit ensures you’re prepared.
Recommended Items:
Painkillers (e.g. paracetamol, ibuprofen)
Motion sickness tablets
Antihistamines for bites or allergies
Plasters, antiseptic cream, tweezers
Electrolyte tablets
Sun cream (high SPF) and after-sun lotion
Need help assembling your kit? Visit the Riverview Pharmacy online shop, and we’ll help you put together a personalised pack suited to your needs.
A little caution goes a long way. In both South East Asia and South America, it’s important to remember the golden rule: boil it, cook it, peel it, or forget it.
Smart Eating Habits:
Avoid street food unless it’s cooked in front of you and piping hot.
Choose reputable restaurants with good hygiene reviews.
Carry water purification tablets or a portable filter if trekking in rural areas.
Equatorial sunshine can be deceptively intense. Whether trekking through the Andes or relaxing on Thai beaches, sunburn and dehydration are real risks.
Tips to Stay Safe:
Apply broad-spectrum sunscreen regularly (SPF 30+).
Wear a wide-brimmed hat and UV-protective sunglasses.
Drink plenty of safe water, especially if hiking or doing physical activities.
Before you travel, make sure you know:
Where the nearest hospital or clinic is.
The emergency number in your destination country.
Whether your travel insurance covers medical evacuation or hospital stays.
It’s also worth registering with the UK FCDO travel advice service for the latest safety updates and advice for your specific destination.
At Riverview Pharmacy, we’re proud to serve the travel health needs of Sunderland and the wider region, including Durham, Gateshead, Seaham, and Darlington. Our trained pharmacists provide:
Travel vaccination consultations
Malaria and altitude sickness medications
Personalised travel health kits
On-the-spot advice tailored to your travel plans
If you’re planning your adventure away, make an appointment to come and see us in good time before you travel.
Whether you’re picking up prescriptions, exploring our wide range of over-the-counter products, or seeking guidance on specific conditions, our team is here to support you every step of the way.
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