With the ever expanding global economy, the amount of business travel overseas has increased enormously over the last 20 years. Business travellers themselves vary greatly from those taking flying visits to meet clients in large cities, to those on long-term contracts in remote and hostile environments. The health risks each will be exposed to will vary depending on when, where and how long they will be travelling for.

It is important to remember that businesses have some legal responsibilities to ensure their travellers are prepared for these risks. Previous cases have resulted in companies paying large amounts of compensation when their business travellers have contracted diseases overseas without being properly prepared. Larger companies often have occupational health departments that oversee travel health. Smaller companies will need to ensure their business travellers have sought advice from another source such as a private travel clinic or GP.

So how can you best prepare your boss for a business trip? Jet lag is a particular problem for business travellers. Instead of taking a couple of days relaxing to recover from a long haul flight they often have to go straight into a meeting and perform. Check out the ‘Jet Lag Calculator’ on the MASTA website (www.masta.org) to try and minimise the effects.

Another risk associated with long haul travel is the development of a deep vein thrombosis. Previously referred to as ‘Economy Class syndrome’, it has now been shown to affect those travelling in business class just as frequently. Long periods of immobility have been associated with clots forming in the legs, which can then be dislodged and travel to the lungs. Frequently flyers should be encouraged to walk regularly around the cabin and exercise their legs. Fitted compression socks/stocking can now be bought over the counter at pharmacies. People at especially high risk should consult their doctor for further advice.

It is generally recommended that travellers seek medical advice regarding immunisations and malaria tablets 6-8 weeks prior to travel. Business travellers often don’t have this luxury! If your boss is a regular traveller then encourage them to stay up to date with the most common travel vaccines in order to avoid a last minute panic!

The source of many jokes, but no laughing matter when it's you who has it, travellers’ diarrhoea is an extremely common problem. Around two-thirds of people visiting developing countries suffer from this unpleasant condition. This could seriously affect an important meeting if your boss is running to the bathroom every few minutes! Ensure your travelling execs understand some rules of food and water hygiene, and which foods are best to avoid to minimise their risks.

Sometimes, of course, it may be difficult to turn down hospitality from hosts without causing offence. A kit containing some rehydration sachets, anti-diarrhoeal agents (such as Imodium) and a single dose of ciprofloxacillin (antibiotic) will help to get them back to the meeting quickly, should the worst happen!

In tropical countries, biting insects such as mosquitoes and sandflies can transmit a number of different diseases from malaria to yellow fever. Bite avoidance is the first line of defence against many diseases. Ensure your boss includes an effective repellent in his or her luggage. Dengue fever is an unpleasant flu-like illness which is a large problem in Asia and South America. The mosquitoes which carry it often live in urban areas and bite during the day-time.

Encourage your travelling boss to take a first aid kit with them, with some basic supplies such as plasters, sun creams, pain killers and antiseptics. More intrepid travellers who will be visiting rural areas away from reliable medical facilities should consider taking a sterile medicine equipment pack - many parts of the world still have to re-use equipment such as needles and syringes.

One of the greatest threats to a travellers’ health is an accident. Trauma is the most common cause of death in young travellers. Road safety standards may be very different from at home, and people should be reminded to wear seat belts and avoid drinking and driving. If the worst should happen ensure the travel insurance covers the cost of emergency evacuation. Many policies have exclusions for business travel and for certain activities - check that your boss’s doesn’t.

Local sex workers often target western business men and women abroad. The risk of contracting a sexually transmitted disease such as HIV, hepatitis B or gonorrhoea from unprotected sex may be far greater overseas. Locally produced condoms may not be of the same standard as in the UK. You may find, though, that this is a rather difficult subject to broach with your boss! If it's too testing for your relationship, it may be more appropriate for a travel health adviser to discuss it with your manager!

It is important that health recommendations are from an up to date source. Database systems such as MASTA can alter recommendations in response to an outbreak of a disease. A Health Brief can be purchased on-line from www.masta.org and provides information on trips of up to 10 countries. Recommendations of immunisations, malaria tablets, latest health news, seasonal diseases, things to take with you, and a summary of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office security advice is provided.

Overseas business travel is seen as very glamorous but in reality it is often stressful and tiring. Be gentle with your boss when they have just stepped off a plane from Manila - it’s not always fun!