When we head for an exotic holiday destination, we may bring back more than fond memories – like an infectious bug or two.

The recent global alarm over H1N1 as well as past outbreaks of Sars and bird flu bear witness to how our jet-setting lifestyle can facilitate the spread of diseases across borders, said Dr Limin Wijaya, an associate consultant in the department of infectious diseases at Singapore General Hospital.

“More people are visiting exotic and remote places. People are also becoming more adventurous and doing more volunteer work overseas,” said Dr Wijaya.

Hence, while modernity has ushered in cleaner surroundings with readily available medicines and vaccines, we still risk succumbing to new strains of diseases, she added.

Drug-resistant infections
Not only that, we are ever susceptible to re-emerging infections, such as tuberculosis and its more resilient drug-resistant form.

Ironically, the widespread use of antibiotics has made it harder to treat some infections – as when the bacteria has managed to develop a resistance to the antibiotic medication.

“People expect to receive antibiotics each time they have a fever or an infection but not everyone needs them,” said Dr Wijaya. “Drug-resistant organisms in the hospital and community setting will continue to be an issue.”

While prevention is the key, Dr Wijaya admits that there is no fixed formula to avoiding infections.

“We have to be aware of what is happening around the world. Travellers should seek health advice prior to their trip and inform their doctors of their destinations should they fall ill when they return. Infections can jump from animals to humans and this can potentially happen again,” she said.