Good travel planning where health is concerned can mean
the difference between a great vacation and a disaster! Whether
you’re traveling to Paris or Papua make sure that you
are well informed about your destination. The climate, health
risk factors and the political situation are all factors that
need to be taken into consideration before you pack your bags.
Some things to consider are:
VACCINATIONS:
· Hepatitis A.
· Hepatitis B – for at risk groups, such as sexually
active, single travelers.
· ADT – Adult tetanus and diphtheria
· Polio
· Typhoid.
· Annual influenza vaccine. Those traveling to remote
areas may also consider the following.
· Japanese Encephalitis.
· Tuberculosis.
· Rabies.
You should start your vaccination program 3-6 months before
travel, as some vaccines are given in courses over several
months. Please remember that no vaccine gives 100% protection.
If you show symptoms of any disease that you are already immunized
against, please seek medical advice immediately.
Even though you may have had some of these vaccines already
you may be due for a booster so check with your travel health
consultant. (Myself 08123660000 or Dr. Ristie Darmawan 08123818570).
MALARIA.
If you are traveling through Asia you may want to consider
Malaria prevention. You should check with your local travel
health center on recommended Malaria prophylaxis in Indonesia.
Many forms of Malaria are now resistant to the older drugs
(chloroquine resistant). Doxycycline is a good short-term
prophylaxis, and Larium is the drug of choice for longer stay
travelers.
Malaria is a tropical disease spread by a night biting mosquito.
There are several different types of Malaria, with symptoms
ranging from transient fever, and generally feeling unwell,
to a severe form of the disease that may cause kidney &
liver failure, as well as attacking the brain. (...in other
words, you DON’T want to get it!!).
Malarial prophylaxis should commence one week before you plan
to enter a “risk” zone, and continue until 4 weeks
after you leave. It is very important to comply with this
regime, as the Malaria organism can live in the liver for
up to 4 weeks after you have been exposed, before it rears
its ugly head! Any suspicious fevers that may arise up to
12 months after leaving a Malaria risk area should be investigated.
If you are pregnant I would suggest you reconsider traveling
to Malaria risk areas. Pregnant women risk miscarriage as
well as suffering from a worse form of the disease. You are
also more likely to be bitten by mosquitoes if you are pregnant.
INSECT BITES.
Insects, particularly mosquitoes, can spread a myriad of diseases
such as Malaria, Japanese Encephalitis, and Dengue fever.
The best prevention is to avoid being bitten.
· Wear long sleeved loose cotton clothes, and apply
a personal insect repellant containing DEET 30-40%, every
4 hours. If you are using a sunscreen, apply your insect repellant
last. Remember to re-apply your repellant after bathing.
· Avoid the use of dark clothing and perfumes/colognes
as these all attract mosquitoes.
· Spray your room with a good “Knock down”
spray, each evening at dusk, and before sleeping.
FOOD & WATER.
The golden rule still stands “BOIL IT, PEEL IT, COOK
IT OR FORGET IT”. Avoid roadside food stalls, or drinks
with ice that is not hygienically prepared (frozen aqua).
Should you find yourself suffering from traveler’s diarrhea,
or “gastro”, make sure that you take plenty of
fluids, preferably sports drinks (e.g. Gatorade), as they
contain essential body salts. Drugs such as Lomotil, Imodium
and charcoal should be taken with caution, as they can clog
up the gut, keeping harmful toxins inside the body. Simple
diarrhea should pass in a few days with rest, and a careful
diet. (No oil, spice or alcohol). Should your symptoms not
pass within a few days, or if they are severe, with fever
and cramping, contact your nearest medical facility.
Dehydration due to a combination of heat and gastrointestinal
problems is common amongst travelers. Once again make sure
that there is adequate fluid intake, including some “sports
drinks”, (Gatorade, Pocari Sweat). Babies and young
children will dehydrate very quickly and should seek medical
attention for gastro-intestinal problems sooner than adults
(within 24 hrs).
ACCIDENTS.
Accidental death is still the largest cause of demise in travelers
worldwide. Flesh and bone versus tarmac and steel, has pretty
much the same result in Rome as it does in Kathmandu. Wear
your seatbelt, helmet, and protective clothing because you
need to, not because the law (or lack of it) says you have
to. There’s nothing like riding with “the wind
in your hair” and that sinking sensation as your skull
hits the bricks!
Surfing accidents too, have taken a remarkable toll amongst
travelers. I have seen more than my fair share of surfers,
who, as a result of boards piercing their eyes, have lost
their eyesight. Be a sissy....put a nose guard on your board....you
will “see” the difference!
CLIMATE ~CONSIDERATIONS
Be aware that you may need to make adjustments for the climate
at your destination. Very hot climates can be just as taxing
as very cold climates. Make sure that you pack your wardrobe
accordingly. If you are headed for the sun, use a good sun
block and keep well hydtrated. Don’t be fooled also
by cloudy days, as the ultraviolet rays of the sun are still
present. Avoid the midday sun, and be particularly careful
with small children.
TRAVEL & HEALTH INSURANCE
Please, please, please, make sure that you have complete travel
& health insurance. Medical care in most parts of the
world is now VERY expensive, and you are not covered by your
own countries health fund (e.g. Medicare). Medical assistance,
and evacuation, can cost anywhere between USD $6,000 and $
60,000. That fee can double for remote area helicopter retrievals.
If you are a professional sportsman, make sure that your policy
covers you for injuries sustained in your particular field.
One last tip, if you are on any particular medication, make
sure that you take enough supply with you to last the length
of the vacation. Your particular medication may not be available
at your destination….Happy Holidays
Kim Patra is a qualified registered nurse and midwife who
has been living and working in Bali for almost 20 years. She
now runs her own private practice and medical referral service
from her Kuta office. Kim is happy to discuss any health concerns
with you and she may be contacted via e-mail at info@chcbali.com
or Hp. 081 2366 0000.
