2005.03.02 - HEALTH ADVICE FOR TRAVELLERS TO TROPICAL COUNTRIES

HEALTH ADVICE FOR TRAVELLERS TO TROPICAL COUNTRIES Be well prepared so you can enjoy your stay! You can get information about the country you are visiting from your travel agent or each country's Embassy. If you think you will need special medical advice then you should see your doctor at least two months before your departure. If you want to take any medicines abroad with you, then find out from your local chemist if you are allowed to take them into the country you're visiting.

If you've got any doubts about your teeth, see your dentist as it may be difficult or expensive to get help abroad. Take a small first aid kit with you. It won't take up much space and could be very useful. Also check the water you use for cleaning your teeth and washing your mouth. Unless you know it's safe always try and use bottled water.

Be careful with the following foods: raw vegetables, salads, unpeeled fruit, raw shellfish, cream, ice-cream, undercooked meat or fish. It is also not good idea to eat food which has been cooked, left to go cold and then heated up again. Freshly cooked foods are safer.

More than anything, holiday makers go abroad to find the sun. However, the sun may be much more powerful abroad than what you are used to in your country. Take care not to lie in the sun for too long, especially in the early days. The sun can burn your skin even if you use sun creams and cause body to overheat. Even when you can avoid direct sun, temperatures may be very high. Try not to do anything too energetic in the hottest hours. Wear light, loose clothing and have plenty to drink. Bathing in the sea will cool you but remember that accidents happen very easily.

If you are walking in the wooded areas and you get bitten or scratched then go to the nearest hospital immediately. A bit from an animal or an insect can lead to illness even if it doesn't seem dangerous at the time. Even if you receive medical help and you're feeling fit, you should visit your own doctor as soon as you get back to your country.

If you become ill when you come back, tell your doctor which countries you have stayed in or travelled through. He or she will then quickly be able to check whether you will need specialist medical help.

1. The best time to get medical help is a month before you leave.
2. A doctor can tell you which drugs can be taken through customs.
3. You should go to your dentist before departure if necessary.
4. You should never use tap water for cleaning your teeth.
5. Raw vegetables are safer than cooked ones.
6. Sunbathing is safe if you use sun cream.
7. You should avoid wearing clothes which are too tight.
8. An insect bite, unlike an animal bite, is not serious.
9. If you see a doctor abroad, you should see another one when you return.
10. It is important to remember which countries you visit.