Fiji
Travel Destination – Fiji
Azure waters, white sand beaches and warm welcoming locals, Fiji is one of the most popular holiday destinations for good reason. Whether you are diving, boating or just lazing by the resort pool, it is worth learning about the health risks and some simple preventive measures you can take to make sure your trip goes as smoothly as possible.
Health Risks
Pre-travel preparation
It’s a good idea to discuss your trip with a travel doctor. They will provide a detailed travel health plan tailored to your specific activities in Fiji. Your doctor will also discuss your immunisations, provide scripts for the vaccines you decide on and check that you have prescriptions for any recommended medications. Ideally, book your appointment at least six to eight weeks before you travel, so that if you need multiple vaccinations these can be spaced out. With less time before you travel it is still worth seeing a travel doctor, as accelerated schedules of some vaccinations can be arranged.
Insect avoidance
Dengue and Zika virus are two examples of diseases which can be carried by mosquitoes in Fiji. Avoiding insect bites is one of the key preventive measures for this group of infections. Strategies include sleeping in air-conditioned rooms or spaces with fly screens (and where this is not possible, under permethrin treated mosquito nets), wearing long sleeves and long pants when outside, and using insecticides containing DEET, picaridin or OLE.
Food and water hygiene
By using a few simple precautions, it is still possible to enjoy the local cuisine while minimising your risk of gastroenteritis and other gastrointestinal infections. Always wash your hands or use antiseptic hand gel prior to eating. Avoid raw, undercooked or reheated food. Street food is safest when it has been cooked in front of you and fruits and vegetables are best when they can be peeled before consuming, like bananas and mangoes. Drink only boiled, filtered or bottled water and avoid untreated tap water and ice made from it.
Our Travel Doctors
Our fully qualified doctors have a special interest in travel medicine and immunisations. And they know travel. Their expert advice will be tailored for you, your travel companions and your trip.
Which shots do I need for Fiji?
Hepatitis A
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Hepatitis A is an acute viral infection of the liver acquired by ingesting contaminated food or water. Illness varies in severity and can occasionally be severe and life-threatening. While the prevalence in most Australian communities is low, the virus is more common in Pacific Nations. People who haven’t previously received a two-dose course of Hepatitis A vaccination are recommended to be immunised prior to travel to Fiji.
Typhoid
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Typhoid is a systemic bacterial infection caused by Salmonella Typhi and Paratyphi. Contracted through ingestion of contaminated food or water, it causes high fevers, fatigue, headaches, abdominal pain and gastrointestinal upset. A vaccine is available which provides three years of protection. This may be recommended by your doctor, particularly if you will be staying for a prolonged period or visiting rural areas.
Hepatitis B
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The hepatitis B virus can cause long-term infection of the liver. It is transmitted through sexual contact and sharing of personal items like shaving razors. Infections can vary in severity and may require prolonged courses of antiviral medication. Hepatitis B vaccination is now a part of the routine vaccination schedule in Australia and is recommended for travellers who have not had it previously and will be making frequent trips or spending prolonged periods in Fiji.
Routine vaccinations
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In Australia, the transmission of many common infections are kept at very low levels through widespread routine immunisation. This is not always the case in other countries, and the risk of infections such as measles may be much higher than at home. The lead up to overseas trips is a good time to review your routine vaccinations and get boosters where you need them. These may include individual immunisations against influenza, COVID-19, measles, tetanus, polio and others.
Other health risks in Fiji
Other health risks in Fiji
Gastroenteritis
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Gastroenteritis or traveller's diarrhoea is usually caused by bacteria ingested in contaminated food or water. Bacteria commonly responsible include Campylobacter, enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli and Salmonella. In cases of bacterial infection, symptoms typically begin within 24 to 72 hours and include nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea and abdominal pain.
The most important aspect of treatment is maintenance of adequate hydration. This can be achieved with oral rehydration solutions which replaces fluid and salts. Antibiotics are usually reserved for severe or pronged infections or instances where someone is at risk of complications.
The illness usually resolves on its own in one to three days. Medical attention is required when symptoms are not typical, when they are prolonged or severe, or at any time when it is not possible to replace fluids faster than they are being lost. Prevention revolves around good hand hygiene before eating and avoidance of high-risk foods and drinks.
Dengue
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Dengue fever is a common infection among Australian travellers to the tropics. Transmitted by mosquitoes, the dengue fever virus causes fever, fatigue, muscle and joint pains, and rash. The first time they are infected, most people recover in one to two weeks. When more severe forms of dengue fever occur, it is usually in the context of repeat infection. In these cases, complications of bleeding and dangerously low blood pressure can occur which may be fatal without appropriate treatment. For Australian travellers, prevention generally relies on mosquito avoidance. Mosquitoes transmitting dengue fever virus are more common in urban areas and tend to bite during the day.
Non-infectious conditions
Deep vein thrombosis
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Prolonged air and road travel carry with them the risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT). This involves a solidifying of blood inside a blood vessel, caused by immobility and consequent stasis in the flow of blood. Prevention involves getting up to move around at regular intervals during a long trip, staying well hydrated and, for those at risk of DVT, below-knee compression stockings can be worn. DVT is usually treated with blood-thinning medication.
Safety on the roads and elsewhere
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Part of travelling is trying new activities and going on new adventures. Before setting out, it is wise to know the risks and take measures to reduce them. When contemplating motorbiking overseas ensure you have the necessary skills to ride, be aware of the road rules and always wear a helmet. For other road transport options, choose alternatives with functioning seatbelts. If diving, boating or fishing for the first time, choose an instructor who is well versed in all the necessary safety aspects. And if unfamiliar with hiking, wear boots which are already worn in, use sunscreen and insect repellent, pack light and stay within your limits when choosing your route. Regardless of what you are planning, it is a good idea to have travel insurance which covers the cost of medical repatriation.