AVOIDING
DEHYDRATION
Dehydration
is a serious condition. So when you are in a hot climate,
it is vital you drink as much water as possible, even more
than you think you might need. Avoid alcohol as it dehydrates
your body, and take extra salt with food or (very diluted)
in your drinks.
SHOULD
YOU DRINK THE WATER?
In
some countries, even closer to home than you might think,
hepatitis A and typhoid can be caught from contaminated water.
So, to reduce the risk, drink branded cans and bottles of
soft drinks, and always use branded bottled water for drinking
and cleaning your teeth. If you want a cold drink, sit the
branded glass of fluid in a bowl of ice, but don't put the
ice in the glass.
EATING
ABROAD
Outside
Europe, North America and Australia, never assume food is
safe unless you know it has been thoroughly and freshly cooked
right through. Shellfish should not be eaten raw but should
be boiled for at least 10 minutes. Also avoid salads, uncooked
food and don't eat fruit you have not peeled yourself.
SAFE
SEX
Hepatitis
B and HIV infection (AIDS) are risks in all parts of the world
in varying degrees, and can be transmitted sexually. Consequently,
casual sex is risky and condoms should always be used. Remember
though, they provide good but not 100% protection.
DRESS
SENSE
Wear
clothing appropriate to the climate. In the heat, you're better
off wearing light-coloured, loose cotton clothing. And to
protect your skin, wear long trousers and long sleeves, and
a broad-brimmed hat to protect your head, face and neck. Between
dusk and dawn, cover as much of your body as possible to avoid
insect bites. And avoid wearing dark colours in malaria risk
areas as they attract mosquitoes.
INSECT
BITES
Bites
from insects can transmit disease. Use an insect repellent
on exposed skin. Use knock-down insecticides in rooms just
before dusk, and keep windows closed if possible. If you are
bitten by ticks you can remove them by a small pull at right
angles to the skin. To remove leeches, cover them with salt
or burn them off with a cigarette lighter. Do not try to pull
them off.
BEFORE
DEPARTURE
INSURANCE
The
golden rule is always take insurance. If you are travelling
in Europe, you need to obtain form E111 from the post office.
This will enable you to receive emergency treatment (but excludes
all dental treatment) in EU countries. If you are travelling
further a field, make sure your travel
insurance is sufficient to cover the cost of being flown
home in an air ambulance.
REGULAR
MEDICATION
Make
sure you have the correct quantities of any medication you
might be taking, as it can be difficult to obtain whilst abroad.
Remember to carry all in-flight medication in your hand luggage,
and take it the times you would take it if you were at home,
until you arrive at your destination, after which, you will
need to change to the new time zone. If I am travelling for
a month I always pack one months supply of medication in my
hand luggage and the same amount in my suitcase, so if any
of my luggage goes missing I still have enough.
MALARIA
If
you are travelling to a country where malaria is a risk, you
will need to speak to your doctor, practice nurse or pharmacist
about preventative medication. Malaria can be fatal, so it
must be considered seriously. Anti-malarial tablets must be
taken one week before travelling, throughout the duration
of your stay, and for four weeks after returning home. It
is also wise to protect yourself by avoiding mosquito bites
(mosquitoes are especially active in the evening). This is
best done by wearing long-sleeved clothing and trousers, and
using an insect repellent. If you are able, sleep under mosquito
nets well tucked-in.
JETLAG
This
is common when flying across times zones, and your body can
take days or even weeks to adjust to the new day and night
cycle. To help your body adjust, try to include stop-overs
in your travel plans. Drink plenty of fluids during the flight
and avoid alcohol, coffee and fizzy drinks. After take-off,
set your watch to the time at your destination and eat, drink
and sleep according to the new time.
WHILE
YOU'RE ABROAD
SUN
SENSE
Sunburn
and sunstroke can cause quite serious headache, chills nausea
and vomiting as well as increasing your risk of skin cancer.
Time your exposure to sun carefully and try to avoid exposure
from 11.00am to 3.00pm. Always use appropriate strength sun
blocks for your skin type. When the need arises, cover up
with long-sleeved clothing and hat and, if you have fair skin
and/or red hair, you should take particular care.
ANIMALS
Avoid
close contact with local animals since they can carry rabies.
Rabies, if left untreated, is always fatal. So, if bitten,
wash the wound and seek medical advice as soon as possible.
This is also necessary even if you have been previously vaccinated.
FIRST-AID
KITS
It
is a wise precaution to take a small first-aid kit with you.
Speak to your surgery about what it should contain.
REGULAR
MEDICATION
Crossing
time zones can cause confusion for patients who need to take
medication regularly. You should plan ahead if taking regular
medication such as insulin, and blood pressure tablets. If
you taking the oral contraceptive pill and you miss one or
it's taken late, another method of contraception should be
used for the next seven days. You should make sure that no
more than 27 hours elapse from one pill to the next.
WHEN
YOU RETURN HOME
You
should continue any anti-malarial drugs for four weeks after
you return. If you feel ill on your return you should always
tell your doctor that you have been abroad, since early symptoms
of some tropical diseases can mimic some common UK illnesses.
Travelling
is enjoyable! It can also be trouble-free if you're aware
of the possible risks and take the necessary precautions.
BON
VOYAGE!
…And
remember, you may need a booster to complete your course of
vaccines, so don't forget to make an appointment with your
surgery at the appropriate time interval.
Lennie
Mortlock
International Healthcare Manager
www.gowithinsurance.com