THIS month, travel health writer, Helen Johnston tackles questions concerning bird flu, Tick-borne Encephalitis in Scandinavia, prickly heat and the best place to source travel vaccination information.

Q I am going to walk in the forested areas of Scandinavia this summer and I have been told I need a vaccination to protect against 'tick bites'. Is this necessary?

A The vaccination against ticks is recommended for people who are camping and or walking in warm, forested areas with deep, heavy undergrowth, especially in Slovenia, Croatia, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Poland, Denmark, Latvia, Russia, Ukraine, Scandinavia, Belarus, Romania and Bulgaria.

This vaccination is given to travellers whose stay in the mentioned countries is for four weeks or more.

The disease Tick-borne Encephalitis is transmitted by a bite from the Ixodes Tick.

Ideally, the vaccination (a course of three) should be given during the winter months which grants protection for three years.

However, if your trip to the area of Scandinavia is coming up soon, two vaccinations given three weeks apart will provide you with one year's protection.

As well as having this vaccination, you should practice bite avoidance measures.

Cover up and avoid exposing skin. Wear trousers and tuck them into socks. Wear long-sleeved shirts and avoid, if possible, crouching without protection of trousers in forested areas. Use insect repellents containing DEET.

Removal of ticks should be done as soon as possible with a pair of tweezers hooked around the tick's mouth parts.

Q I am bothered by 'prickly heat' on holidays. What can I do to avoid this annoying condition?

A This very irritating, common complaint is caused by the sweat glands becoming blocked and congested as the skin sweats more as it tries to cool the body.

This, in turn, causes the prickly sensation under the skin - usually on the neck, back and chest. The rash is red with tiny blisters.

The following tips may help. Avoid the use of oily cosmetics and limit the use of deodorants. Take a tepid shower or bath.

Calamine lotion may be useful to soothe the prickly feeling on the skin while an antihistamine may also be useful.

Wear loose-fitting, cool clothing rather than light clothing and try to avoid scratching the skin.

Q Where or from who should I seek advice on vaccinations for travelling abroad?

A There are many books, websites and leaflets available with information on when to get your vaccinations and what kind you will need for the country in which you are travelling.

However, your best and most reliable source would be your GP, Practice Nurse or Treatment Room Nurse.

You may also be fortunate to have a 'specialist nurse' in travel health working at your clinic who can advise you regarding your vaccinations, malaria medication and health advice.

The professionals are the best source rather than magazines or websites which might not have correct or up -to-date information.

Q My holiday this year is to Cambodia, China, Indonesia and possibly Thailand. Is there anything I should do especially with regards to the 'bird flu' outbreak?

A The following advice from the Department of Health is correct and up to date at the time of printing.

BE AWARE. This 'bird' or 'flu' is a contagious disease of animals caused by viruses that usually affect only birds and less commonly, pigs. Humans are infected through close contact with live infected birds or bird droppings.

BE PREPARED. Make sure you have your vaccinations and if necessary, malaria medication at least four weeks prior to travel.

When you return from holiday and you notice your health is not 100 percent or worse, you feel ill, visit your GP immediately and be sure to inform him of your recent holiday.

Don't travel while you are unwell and reduce contact with others to lessen the risk of infection.

Further information regarding Avian Flu can be read on the Department of Health's website: www.dh.gov.uk.