Brazil travel health information

Brazil Travel Plan has taken the greatest care to ensure that the contents of these pages are accurate, but it is your responsibility to visit your local GP or medical facility at least 6 weeks before you depart for full Brazil travel health information.

The general health information and advice provided below is for travellers who are healthy, not pregnant and who are planning to stay in Brazil for less than 1 month. Make sure you also get up-to-date information for your personal situation.

Most people get DTP-vaccinations (against diphtheria, tetanus, polio) as a child. These vaccinations are valid for 15 years. A booster shot will ensure that you're protected against these illnesses for another 15 years. 

Hepatitis A is acute or chronic liver inflammation that occurs without a knowing the cause (= primary hepatitis) or due to another known disease (= secondary hepatitis ). Hepatitis is named after the originator (for instance hepatitis A, B, C, etc.). Regular Hepatitis A vaccinations have a limited validity, so you will have to get the vaccination shortly before you leave. If you plan on travelling to a country where Hepatitis A occurs for a longer period of time or if you travel frequently to this type of country, you may want to consider getting a long-term validity Hepatitis vaccination such as Havrix. Keep in mind though that these vaccines are expensive and that you may need one booster shot afterwards.

Other diseases

Typhoid Fever
Vaccination is only recommended if you plan on spending a long time in South America (3 months or more).  

Dengue Fever
This disease is carried by mosquitoes, so the same precautions apply as with Malaria. There is no vaccination for Dengue Fever. For more information about this and other diseases, and the status of any outbreaks, we recommend that you contact the National Health Service or a suitable medical institution or health professional for advice.
  

Before you travel...

We recommend that you visit your local GP at least 6 weeks before you depart. They can check your records and advise what vaccinations you already have, what you will need and any other health precautions you may need to take.

If you are currently taking prescription medicines, take the information leaflet with you and some spare medicine.
This can help in two ways :
1) There will be no chance for confusion at customs
2) It will make life much easier if you lose your medication and need to replace it whilst away.

If you wear glasses or use contact lenses, it's a good idea to take a copy of your prescription or a spare pair of glasses/lenses.

Your health on location

Of course it's important that you try to maintain a good level of health while you are in Brazil. When you're away on holiday remain alert: when in doubt, consult a doctor. If you have language problems you can ask our local agents in the larger towns and cities of Brazil.

Jet lag
This occurs when your biological clock is confused, caused by flying through different time zones. The body has to adjust to the new biorhythm for the first few days after your flight, during which time you can feel tired in the day and awake at night. It's generally recommended that you drink limited amounts of coffee or alcohol during the flight, and upon arrival don't demand too much of your body for the first couple of days. It's also handy to get into the new sleeping pattern as quickly as possible. What we usually do is sleep for an hour after arrival, and then stay awake and have an early night.

Diarrhoea 
A change of routine, climate and food (especially spicy) can throw your stomach out of sorts. As long as it is only loose, watery stools and there are no other symptoms, it's normally unnecessary to take anything; just take it easy and drink plenty of water in small quantities. Children and the elderly may require some Oral Rehydration Salts, these are dissolved in water and prevent dehydration. Drugs, such as lope amide and diphenoxylate, may be taken if you really have to travel when you have diarrhoea (not suitable for children under two years old). These drugs have the effect of sedating the intestines, which stops stomach cramps and suppresses the diarrhoea, but doesn't actually cure it. Only use these drugs when you're on the move and cannot get to the toilet regularly. If the diarrhoea persists for more than 48 hours, AND is accompanied by a headache, vomiting, or blood in the stool OR; you’re taking any other medication at the time, you should contact a doctor. Remember that diarrhoea can prevent oral contraception pills working properly. 

Diarrhoea prevention
Only consume water, and soft drinks from properly closed and sealed bottles or cans. Drinks made with boiled bottled water, such as tea or coffee are also fine. Ice is only trustworthy in the form of manufactured bagged ice, but this is widely available. Fruit juice is safe, but only if no water has been added. Food, especially meat and fish must be cooked properly, so that it is well cooked all the way through.

In Brazil eating food from street stalls is common place, but to prevent illness a good idea is to eat where it's busy. This usually means that the food is good, and that the turnover means the time between food preparation and consumption is the shortest possible. It's probably best not to eat meat at the end of the day, as the meat can sometimes have been lying around all day in the heat un-refrigerated.

A few more tips

Skin care
Always use a high factor sun tan lotion on exposed skin, even during the rainy season. Snorkelling in a T-shirt is a wise idea as even waterproof sun tan lotion washes off after a while. If you cut or scratch yourself whilst in Brazil, keep a close eye on them. Clean them with disinfectant and keep them covered with a plaster during the day. Don't scratch mosquito bites, they're infuriating, but it only makes them worse. You can avoid attracting biting insects, by wearing light coloured clothing, especially in the evening. Try to avoid resembling a flower, and go easy on the strong perfume aftershave or deodorant. It you're prone to skin irritations, wear cotton or linen clothing, and you can help avoid prickly heat by using talcum powder after your morning shower. Wash or disinfect your hands after using the toilet, and don't bite your nails.

Sunstroke
Sunstroke can be prevented by wearing a hat and sunglasses. Always try and keep a bottle of water with you, especially if you're out in the wilderness and unlikely to come across drinking water. If you suspect sunstroke (feeling light-headed, headaches), you can prevent it from getting worse by drinking water and finding somewhere in the shade to rest. 
       

Your health after your trip

If upon your return (or up to several months later) you get a fever, intestinal problems or any other related health problems that seem unusual, contact your GRP and let him/ her know you were in Brazil, the length of your stay and what kind of trip you went on.