Abstract
This is the fifth edition of this popular travel medicine text, and it has been reduced in to a very handy sized ‘pocket book’ edition and also has an electronic version available. It is a comprehensive guide to travel medicine that has contributions from very experienced clinicians, many of whom are also seasoned travellers. The structure of the book allows for detailed advice on maintaining health whilst abroad or travelling, diseases specific to certain modes of transmission, animal spread diseases, insect borne diseases and diseases specific to the environment and traveller behaviour. The text can at times be somewhat detailed and may appear at first glance daunting for the non-medical traveller. However, on detailed reading, the information is presented in a clear, concise and accessible format that would be appropriate for everyone from the casual holiday maker to the more experienced adventurer. Of particular note are the sections on sexual health, specialist traveller needs and preparation prior to departure.
This book would appeal to even very experienced travellers, to those on expeditions or travelling to more remote destinations and to those medically trained who are responsible for organising medical care abroad or whose role it is to advise on medical preparation before or after travel within the general population. Whilst perhaps a little extreme for the average package holiday, it would be a very useful family purchase as in the modern world travel horizons are ever expanding. The size and shape of the current edition make it ideal for a backpack pocket and it would make an excellent gift for a gap year student near you.