Compared with tourists, people who are visiting friends or relatives abroad are often at an increased risk of contracting diseases.
It is very important to ensure that, although you may be returning to your home country, you are adequately vaccinated against all preventable diseases endemic to the area. This is because the natural immunity you had when living at home often disappears while you have been living abroad. Also, if you are visiting friends or relatives, you may be living in remote rural areas and consume foods and drinks that may have a high risk of infection.
It is important that if you are undertaking a trip like the one described above that you have a consultation for all of the members travelling with your party - adults and children.
Mercer's Medical Centre is part of Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland Coláiste Ríoga na Máinleá in Éirinn