Italy Country Guide - Safety In Italy

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As an EU country, Italy has reciprocal health agreements with other member states, including Britain. To take advantage of this service, you will need a form E111, available at main Post Offices. Treatment in private hospitals is not covered, and some charges are likely for medication and other services.

No vaccinations are required for entry to Italy unless you have been travelling through a part of the world where yellow fever or cholera is prevalent.

Italy does not have any major diseases to worry about, but bear in mind the following:

Water: Generally safe to drink, unless you see the sign 'acqua non potable' (do not drink the water). You might prefer to stick to bottled water though, as often just a change in water can cause a tummy upset.

Heatstroke: If you go to Italy in high Summer, don't sit out roasting for hours on end - apply the normal rules of sunbathing, take it easy and use a high-factor sunscreen as you are likely to be unused to the stronger sun. Prevention is better than cure, but sunburn cream should be in the medical kit too, along with any regular drugs you take.

Prickly heat: Heat rashes are common if your body suddenly gets a dose of warm weather it isn't used to - take some soothing creams with you.

High altitudes: If you are walking in high altitudes, hypothermia can be a hazard. Take proper clothing if you are likely to get caught outside for a long period.

Motion sickness: If you are likely to undergo long journeys, and particularly round mountainous roads such as the cliff-edge roads along the Neapolitan Riviera, travel sickness pills are a good idea.

Insect bites: Mosquitoes are a nuisance in some areas (though they don't spread malaria). Take anti-histamine creams with you if you react badly (though treatments are readily available in local chemists).

Jellyfish, snakes, leishmaniasis (from sandflies), Lyme disease (from ticks), rabies: Technically, all the aforementioned could be a threat, but ask the locals if they're a problem where you are going and take their advice - don't swim where jellyfish might lurk, wear boots walking in viper territory.

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