Health
Travellers to Russia are advised to have up-to-date
vaccinations for hepatitis A, tuberculosis and typhoid fever
(long-term travellers), as well as medications for travellers'
diarrhoea. There is also a risk of tick-borne encephalitis in rural
and wooded areas, particularly in the Ural and Siberian regions.
HIV/AIDS is on the increase. Measles outbreaks occur. Drinking
water should be treated; bottled water is readily available. There
is a reciprocal health care agreement with the UK entitling
citizens to free health treatment in hospital. Local state medical
facilities are of a low standard, however, and visitors are
strongly advised to have full insurance for medical treatment and
accidents should they require private care. Blood transfusions
should not be performed in Russia, due to uncertainties concerning
the blood supply. Essential medications and supplies may be
limited. There have been outbreaks of bird flu in a number of
regions of Russia, including around Moscow, but there have been no
reports of human infection. Travellers are advised to avoid contact
with domestic, caged and wild birds and ensure that all poultry and
egg dishes are well cooked.
