Afghanistan
Afghanistan is a landlocked country in south-central Asia covering 653,000 sq. km, of which 75% is mountainous. The largest area is occupied by the sparsely populated central highlands and the volcanic north-east. The south-western plateau is arid and virtually uninhabited, while the fertile north-east and east are the most densely populated.
The climate is generally semi-arid steppe, with wide regional variations. The summers are warm everywhere, except on the highest peaks. Rain falls mostly during spring and autumn, and winters are generally cold, with snow at higher altitudes. Temperatures in the capital, Kabul, vary between -3°C in January and 25°C in July
![]({"file":"434de6ff-cac3-46b3-8d2f-b40ce6ef75e4.jpg","breakpoints":{"xs":{"width":480,"mode":"resize","quality":80},"md":{"width":720,"mode":"resize","quality":80},"xl":{"width":1920,"mode":"resize","quality":80}}} "Afghanistan")
Pre-travel Preparation Will Help Protect Your Health While You Are Away
Pre-travel preparation will help keep you safe and healthy while you are away. Please consult the Travel Doctor-TMVC before you travel overseas. We will provide specific recommendations tailored to your itinerary. Our doctors will assess and advise you on your risks, and recommend appropriate vaccination and medication to minimise your risk of becoming seriously unwell on your trip.
Vaccination Recommendations/Requirements
Before you travel, make sure that you are up to date on all routine vaccines recommended for you based on your age and underlying risk profile.
These include:
- Chickenpox (Varicella): either previous disease or vaccination
- Diphtheria-Tetanus-Pertussis
- Flu (Influenza)
- Hepatitis B
- Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR): travellers born during or after 1966 are recommended to have received two vaccinations previously
- Meningococcal ACWY
- Polio: per childhood schedule
- SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19)
Additional vaccines may be required or recommended for this destination. This will vary depending on your medical history, prior immunisations, length of travel, season of travel, itinerary and other relevant factors.
Altitude Sickness
Altitude illness affects many travellers visiting mountainous regions or undertaking high altitude treks, in some cases with very serious consequences. Medication can be used to facilitate the process of acclimatisation to the rarefied atmosphere at high altitudes. Before your departure, it is important to discuss your specific risk with a doctor that understands the effects of high altitude travel.
Safe Eating and Drinking Practices
One of the great pleasures of travel is sampling the local cuisine. However, contaminated food and beverages are a common cause of traveller’s diarrhoea and other gastrointestinal illnesses. Safe eating and drinking practices are essential in minimising your risk of contracting traveller’s diarrhoea.
Rabies Prevention
Avoid physical contact with all domestic or wild animals in any setting unless you are absolutely certain the animal has been well vaccinated. The need for vigilance, particularly when travelling with children, cannot be overstated. If bitten, wash the wound gently but thoroughly with soap and water for at least fifteen minutes.
Health Risks
The following diseases are known to occur in the area:
Disclaimer: The following information is intended as a guide only and is not intended to replace professional medical advice.
Health Alerts
Don't leave your health to chance.
Book with one of our travel medicine clinics today to get our advice and better protect your health on your next trip.
![Book with one of our travel medicine clinics today to get our advice and better protect your health on your next trip.]({"file":"cta-image-01.jpg","breakpoints":{"xs":{"width":480,"mode":"resize","quality":80},"md":{"width":720,"mode":"resize","quality":80},"xl":{"width":1920,"mode":"resize","quality":60}}} "Don't leave your health to chance.")