Q: My boyfriend and I are planning a round-the-world trip taking in India and southeast Asia but I am concerned that his nut allergy is going to cause problems. Do you have any tips, and would it be possible for him to get an adreni-pen from our GP prior to travelling? Also, I have a history of depression and panic attacks, and although I don't want to get malaria, I do not want to risk taking Lariam. What is the most effective alternative?

Anna

Dr Jules Eden replies: If there is a risk of total anaphylaxis, where the lungs swell up and fatality is a possibility, then you must get one of the adrenalin pens from your GP before you go. It would be advisable for you both to use one in a dummy run before an emergency.However, if the allergic reaction is mild, then often simple anti-histamines work well. Nuts are used commonly in Asian cooking, so learn the local words for 'nuts' and 'no'.

As for your antimalarials, I agree that, with a history of depression, you should not take Lariam (mefloquine). A better alternative is malarone. It's a daily tablet and, as it only has to be taken for a week after leaving a malarial area, you can use it in short blasts, depending on where you are going.

Ask the flying doctor If you have any questions you want to ask Dr Jules Eden, email travel.doctor@theguardian.com, or write to The Flying Doctor, The Guardian, 119 Farringdon Road, London EC1R 3ER.