General travel advice.

Before you go, consider;

• Insurance.
• Insect repellant containing at least 30% DEET.
• Sun cream;
• at least factor 15 for adults,
• factor 20 for children.
• Anti-diarrhoea medication;
• something to prevent dehydration; Dioralyte,
• for adults, something to stop the diarrhoea; Loperamide,
both available over the counter at the chemist.
• Paracetamol.
• First aid kit and emergency travel kit.
• If you are visiting an area where malaria is known to be transmitted, consider buying a mosquito net; impregnated nets are 5 times more effective but the chemical only lasts for 6 months. Chemical re-impregnation is possible with a kit.
• If you are on the oral contraceptive pill, remember to take some condoms as the pill will not be effective if you have vomiting or diarrhoea.
• Condoms are essential if there is any possibility of forming a relationship in a country with a high incidence of Hepatitis B or HIV.

Once there;

• Alway wash your hands or clean them with wet-wipes before eating
• Avoid tap water, use bottled water (not refilled from the tap!) or other bottled drinks, remember most ice will be made from tap water!
• Peel your own fruit, avoid undercooked food and salads.
• Ice-cream and other food from street vendors may be risky.
• Fish and shellfish may be hazardous particularly if uncooked e.g. oysters.
• If you get diarrhoea and vomiting, drink plenty of fluids (not fizzy drinks) and/or use the dioralyte, return to a normal diet as soon as you feel able. Adults may use Loperamide.
• If the diarrhoea goes on for more than five days or is complicated by severe pain or bleeding, seek medical attention urgently.
• Avoid getting burnt by the sun; use water-proof sun cream, avoid the hottest part of the day, be aware that the wind may make you feel cool in spite of strong sunlight, do not allow yourself to fall asleep in the sun. Wear loose clothing and maybe a hat, drink plenty.
• Avoid getting bitten or scratched by animals; get medical attention fast if you are. Cleanse the wound thoroughly by scrubbing with soap and water under a running tap for 5 minutes, try to find out who owns the animal, and its risk of having Rabies; vaccination may be necessary.
• Remember that traffic accidents are the leading cause of death among travellers.