Lucky you if you’re planning to escape the depths of the Kiwi winter by heading off overseas, but don’t forget to look after your health while you’re away as getting sick can ruin your whole holiday. Here’s some advice on steps to take before you go, and precautions that’ll help keep you well while you’re on your travels.
BEFoRE YoU Go
Check out any possible health and safety risks for the area you’re visiting. The website www.safetravel.govt.nz lists recent health warnings around the world. The website www.traveldoctor. co.nz also posts health alerts.
Find out whether any vaccinations are necessary. You usually need to get these done around six to eight weeks before you leave on your trip.
Pack a medical first-aid kit. Include plasters, diarrhoea tablets, antiseptic cream, over-the-counter painkillers, insect repellent, cold and flu treatment and motion-sickness pills.
If you take prescription medication, make sure you have enough with you to last for the time you’ll be away, plus a few extra days’ worth in case you’re held up by an erupting volcano or there’s some other delay.
If you do need to take prescription drugs with you, check with the embassy of the country you’re going to and make sure they are legal there. Get a doctor’s letter confirming the medication is for you and always keep prescription drugs in their original containers.
Arrange medical insurance. Look for policies that cover hospital treatment and being sent home if necessary. Make sure that your policy covers preexisting conditions and any activities you might take part in while you’re away – some insurance policies don’t cover activities such as scuba diving.
If you’re going to a destination higher than 2000 to 2500m above sea level, allow a couple of days to get used to breathing less oxygen. If you have a heart or lung condition, check with your doctor before going to a high altitude.
WHILE YoU’RE AWAY
If hygiene standards are a concern, be careful about what you eat and drink.
Avoid tap water. In some developing countries, the water supply can be contaminated by viruses, amoebas and parasites – sometimes even a tiny amount can make you sick. Remember to say no to ice and brush your teeth with bottled water.
Drinks that are safest to consume include hot beverages like tea and coffee, bottled or canned drinks, water you’ve boiled yourself and bottled water (Check the seals to make sure water bottles haven’t been refilled. If you’re not sure about the seal, ask for sparkling water to be on the safe side).
Don’t eat raw fruit and vegetables, including salads. These may have been affected by the same organisms that contaminate water, or washed in contaminated water. only eat vegetables that have been cooked and are still hot, or fruit you have peeled yourself.
Be sure to avoid undercooked or raw meat when eating out at restaurants.
other tips for while you’re away include:
Make sure you’re careful with your own personal hygiene. Wash your hands frequently and carry a hand sanitiser with you.
If you’re visiting a country where malaria is a problem, use insect repellent and wear light-weight trousers and long-sleeved tops so you’re well covered.
Keep your medication in your hand luggage in case your bags go missing.
Watch where you swim. Freshwater ponds can be infected with parasites. Stick to salt water or chlorinated pools.
Carry details with you of who should be contacted if you get sick or are injured, ie family and your doctor at home.
If you’re staying at an altitude of more than 2000m and you notice symptoms such as headaches, mild shortness of breath and tiredness you may have altitude sickness. You should rest and drink plenty of fluids (but avoid alcohol) until your body acclimatises. If you don’t start to feel better, you may need oxygen.
When you get back
If you feel unwell within two weeks of returning from an overseas trip, see a doctor immediately and tell them where you’ve been. Symptoms that should set alarm bells ringing include diarrhoea, nausea, vomiting, stomach cramps and fever or chills.
About DVT
Deep Vein Thrombosi s (DVT) is a condition t hat can affect people who’ve been on long-haul airplane flights (you can also get it if you’ve been on a long train, car or bus trip) . It can occur when being immobile for a considerable period of time results in the blood flow slowing, leading to the formation of a blood clot. If the clot dislodges, it can travel to other par ts of the body and block an important vein or artery. This is known as an embolism, and if it affects the brain, lungs or heart, it can be fatal.
Symptoms of DVT include:
A cramp-like pain in the leg that doesn’t go away when you rest.
Swelling.
Tenderness.
Warmth and redness in the affected area.
It’s possible to have DVT without noticing any symptoms. Signs of a pulmonary embolism (a clot in the lungs) include:
oild chest discomfort.
Breathlessness.
Sharp chest pain.
Racing heart.
If you have just been on a long flight and have any of these symptoms, no matter how mild, get medical help urgently. You can reduce your risk of getting a DVT by:
Getting up and walking during the flight or doing leg and ankle exercises every couple of hours to keep the blood flowing.
Wearing elasticated compression stockings, which help blood flow back to the heart.
Drinking lots of non-alcoholic fluids. If you have increased risk of DVT (ie you’re over 40, overweight, pregnant, have a family history of clots or have recently had major surgery) you should see your doctor before flying.
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