Greece Travel Health Guide: Infections, Water Safety & Medications

Greece Infectious Disease Overview

Greece is an EU member state with relatively high healthcare standards in Europe. However, due to its Mediterranean climate and tourism-related environments, certain infectious disease risks exist. Special attention is needed during summer (May–October) and autumn rainy seasons.

According to the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the main health risks in Greece include:

• Tick-borne encephalitis (eastern and northern regions)
• Malaria (limited southern areas)
• Food poisoning (especially in summer)
• Gastrointestinal infections

Pharmacist's note Since COVID-19, Greece has strengthened infectious disease surveillance. For the latest information, consult the Japanese Foreign Ministry's "Tabisuru" registration system or the Japanese Embassy in Athens.

Recommended Pre-Travel Vaccinations

Consider the following vaccinations before traveling to Greece. Medical consultation is recommended 2–4 weeks before departure.

Vaccination	Target Group	Timing	Notes
Hepatitis A	All travelers	2 weeks before	2 doses (0, 6 months)
Typhoid	Long-term residents	2 weeks before	Oral or injection options
Tick-borne encephalitis	Outdoor activity planners	2+ weeks before	3 doses required
Tetanus	All travelers	Before departure	Booster every 10 years
Meningococcal	Specific region residents	2 weeks before	Based on outbreak status

Water and Food Safety in Greece

Drinking Water Safety

In urban areas such as Athens and Thessaloniki, tap water is generally considered safe. However, note the following:

Precautions when using tap water

• Pipe deterioration may occur in older buildings and island areas
• Saltwater contamination is possible (especially Santorini)
• Verify whether hotel water tanks are cleaned regularly

Recommended measures

• Purchase bottled mineral water (Νερό με ανθρακικά or Νερό χωρίς ανθρακικά)
• Carry portable water purification tablets such as "AquaSafe"
• Avoid ice, especially at street vendors and beach bars

Pharmacist's note In Greek, water dispensers are labeled "νερό ύδατος." Large supermarkets like Carrefour and Lidl sell 1.5L bottles for approximately €0.50.

Food Safety Considerations

Risk Situation	Risk Level	Countermeasure
Raw shellfish at beach restaurants	High	Choose cooked dishes only
Raw vegetables at open markets	Medium	Avoid if you cannot wash them yourself
Popular tourist restaurants	Low	Generally rigorous sanitation
Casual taverna (local eatery)	Low–Medium	Establishments with many locals are relatively safer
Raw seafood by the coast	High	Choose cooked items or trusted establishments

Foods to avoid

• Dishes left at room temperature for extended periods
• Salads washed in untreated water (especially in tourist areas)
• Dairy products in areas with insufficient refrigeration

Golden rules for food poisoning prevention

• Verify hot foods are served hot and cold foods are served cold
• Traditional cooked Greek dishes like moussaka and pastitsio are relatively safe
• Choose fruits you can peel yourself

Climate-Specific Medications and Prevention

Summer (May–September) Precautions

Greek summer characteristics: 35–40°C temperatures, low humidity, intense sun

Essential medications

Medication	Purpose	Recommended Dosage
Loxoprofen	Headaches, muscle pain	60mg × 10–14 tablets
Cetirizine HCl (Allegra)	Hay fever, hives	10mg × 14 tablets
Omeprazole	Excess stomach acid	20mg × 14 tablets
Loperamide	Acute diarrhea	2mg × 6–10 tablets
Zinc oxide sunscreen	UV protection	SPF 50+ recommended
Weak to medium-strength steroid cream	Insect bites, skin inflammation	0.05%, 10g

Prevention strategies

• Dehydration prevention: Carry electrolyte replacement powder (OS-1 etc.)
• Heat stroke prevention: Frequent hydration, hat, sunglasses essential
• Insect bite prevention: Pre-purchase DEET-containing repellent (Repel 100 etc.)

Pharmacist's note Greek pharmacies (Φαρμακείο) sell many medications without prescriptions. However, components and dosages may differ from Japan. Strongly recommend bringing necessary medications from Japan beforehand.

Autumn/Spring Rainy Season (March–April, October–November) Precautions

Weather characteristics: 15–20°C temperatures, increased rainfall, tick activity season

Essential medications

Medication	Purpose	Recommended Dosage
Kakkon-to	Early cold symptoms	2.5g × 6 packets
General cold remedy (codeine-free)	Cough, congestion	3 times daily × 7 days
Pec Cough Liquid	Cough suppressant	15ml × 1 bottle
Ryukakusan	Sore throat	1.5g × 10 packets
Ibuprofen	Fever, joint pain	200mg × 14 tablets

Tick-borne encephalitis prevention

• Pre-travel vaccination is most important
• Wear long sleeves and pants during outdoor activities
• Wash clothing in 50°C+ water before returning home
• Carry tick removal tweezers (Tick Tweezers)

Winter (December–February) Precautions

Weather characteristics: 5–15°C temperatures, frequent rain, fewer tourists

Essential medications

• Influenza antivirals (if Tamiflu is prescribed)
• Gastroenteritis medications (norovirus season)
• Mouth ulcer treatment
• Moisturizing cream (for dryness)

Regional Infection Risk Information

Urban Areas (Athens, Thessaloniki)

Main risks

• Respiratory infections in crowds
• Food poisoning (especially at tourist restaurants)
• Mosquito-borne infections (limited)

Countermeasures

• Wear masks on public transport
• Carry hand sanitizer (70%+ alcohol)
• Avoid touching face in crowded areas

Island Areas (Crete, Rhodes, Santorini)

Main risks

• Tick-borne encephalitis (northern Crete)
• Mosquito-borne infections (limited, mainly August)
• Seawater-related infections (Vibrio etc.)

Countermeasures

• Avoid prolonged time in grassy areas
• Take fresh water shower after sea bathing
• Do not swim if you have minor cuts

Northern Mountainous Regions (Macedonia)

Main risks

• Tick-borne encephalitis (high-risk area)
• Possible Lyme disease
• Snake bites (remote areas far from medical facilities)

Countermeasures

• Complete vaccinations before travel
• Insect repellent spray mandatory for hiking
• Consider carrying snake bite emergency kit

Emergency Response and Healthcare Information

Medical Facilities in Greece

Major private hospitals

• Iatrika (Athens, Thessaloniki)
• Euromedica (multiple cities)
• 24-hour service, some Japanese-speaking staff available

Public hospitals

• Free or low-cost but with long wait times
• Limited English assistance

Pharmacies (Φαρμακείο)

• Numerous locations throughout cities
• OTC medications readily available
• Pharmacists provide professional advice (English support available)

Emergency Contacts

Emergency	Contact	Hours
Ambulance	166	24 hours
Poison information	0030-210-779-3777	24 hours
Japanese Embassy Athens	0030-210-670-0600	24 hours
Travel medicine consultation (post-return)	Japan Ministry of Health Quarantine Station	Weekdays

Pharmacist's note Medical costs in Greece are relatively low, but purchase travel insurance without fail. Private hospital care may be more expensive than in Japan. Medical expense coverage of at least 3 million yen is recommended.

Recommended First Aid Kit

Basic Set (All seasons)

[Digestive system]
• Magcool (constipation): 10 packets
• Seirogan (diarrhea): 10 units
• Gaster 10 (stomach medication): 20 tablets

[Respiratory system]
• Pavron 50: 1 bottle
• Lulu Attack: 1 box
• Ryukakusan: 10 packets

[Fever and pain]
• Tylenol: 20 tablets
• Loxonin: 14 tablets

[Skin symptoms]
• Mentholatum lip balm
• Terra-Cortril ointment: 10g
• Insect bite cream: 10g

[Other]
• Eye drops (Rohto): 1 bottle
• Motion sickness medication: 14 tablets
• Antacid: 14 tablets
• Alcohol disinfectant: 50ml
• Adhesive bandages: 20 pieces
• Gauze and tape
• Digital thermometer

Seasonal Additions

Summer additions

• Sunscreen (SPF 50+): 50ml × 2 bottles
• Insect repellent spray (20%+ DEET): 1 bottle
• Cooling sheets: 10 pieces

Rainy season additions

• Cold remedy set
• Expectorant
• Throat spray

Pre-Travel Medical Consultation

Recommended Travel Medicine Clinic Topics

1. Infectious disease risk assessment

   • Detailed information about visiting regions, duration, and activities
   • Medical history and allergy information

2. Vaccination verification

   • Check existing immunity status
   • Determine need for additional shots

3. First aid medication prescription

   • Assess need for preventive antibiotics
   • Obtain prescription if needed

4. Health certificate

   • Obtain English-language version (when carrying specific medications)

Pharmacist's note Search for "Travel Clinic" to find domestic travel medicine clinics. Major airports such as Narita and Kansai also have medical facilities offering this service. Booking 2 weeks before departure is recommended.

Summary

• Pre-travel preparation is critical: Complete vaccinations 2–4 weeks before departure; bring medications from Japan
• Hepatitis A and tetanus vaccines recommended for all travelers; consider encephalitis vaccine if visiting tick-active regions
• Bottled mineral water is recommended; use water purification tablets if uncertain
• Choose trustworthy restaurants; avoid raw shellfish and room-temperature foods
• Season-specific care is essential: summer dehydration and insect bites, rainy season colds, winter gastroenteritis
• Island and mountainous regions carry higher risks, especially tick-borne encephalitis
• Healthcare quality is high; travel insurance with minimum 3 million yen coverage is recommended
• For emergencies, call 166 for ambulance; contact the Japanese Embassy in Athens
• If experiencing symptoms within 2 weeks of return, consult a medical facility and mention travel details