Probably the main concern will be your stomach so bring Imodium or something similar just in case. The water coming out of the taps is potable but is heavily chlorinated so stick to bottled water.        

There is no Malaria in and around Rio De Janeiro but if you are going north to the Amazon area then you will need to take anti-malarial drugs. Consult your doctor or health clinic to find which type is suitable for Brazil. If you are going to the Amazon then bring your anti-malaria tablets with you. Incredible as it may seem getting them in Brazil is very difficult. There are Mosquitoes in Rio De Janeiro and so it is well worth bringing a good insect repellent - a deet based one seems to be the best.

There is one mosquito transmitted disease that has occured over the past few years in and around Rio. It is Dengue fever. Similar to Malaria and can cause death in the young and old. However there are very few cases. In percentage terms probabaly an infinitesimal number of the population contracted the disease and only a handful died. A big public awareness campaign was run over the last few years and little has been heard recently about any outbreak. There is no anti-dengue preventive medicine that can be taken.

Consult your doctor over vaccinations that are recommended. For Rio De Janeiro you will probably find there are no particular requirements but if you are heading to the Amazon then you will at least need a Yellow Fever vaccination. And this will be checked on internal flights and even if you travel up by coach. Cholera vaccination may also be recommended but note that this is not a 100% full proof vaccination. When in the Amazon, drink only bottled water, well cooked food.

There are good quality hospitals in Rio but these are not free. We strongly recommend you obtain travel and health insurance before coming.

Be careful when swimming, there are strong undercurrents along all the main beaches. The life guards who are based at numbered posts ( see photo ) along the beach front will put red flag markers up on the beach marking an area when it is unsafe for swimming.

The sun is very strong during summer ( November - March ) and if your skin isn't used to it then make sure you bring plenty of suntan oil or get it here. And don't stay in the sun too long for the first few days. Build up slowly. If you get burnt not only will you feel uncomfortable it may spoil your sex life!!

Finally - if you intend having sex in Brazil ( oh really?) don't forget to practice safe sex, and if you need increased stamina in the bedroom, check out sexual health. Both pharmaceutical and natural sexual performance enhancers are listed. The natural ones really do work and they have the advantage of not needing a prescription.

English Speaking Doctors in Rio De janeiro