So, you've booked your flight, bought guidebooks and spent hours researching the best inns and historic sites at your travel destination. But there's one thing you may have forgotten to investigate: how to protect your health when you travel to a remote area.
You probably already know the importance of carrying sanitizing gel and washing your hands after spending time in a busy airport. But did you know that you need to get some vaccines before traveling to certain countries?
Not everyone is aware of the very serious health risks associated with malaria or intestinal parasites; even a food- or water-borne illness could land you in the hospital for weeks.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2010), malaria causes 350 to 500 million infections each year, resulting in over one million deaths. Malaria is most often caused by being bitten by a mosquito carrying a type of protozoan parasite that infects red blood cells. It's common in many tropical areas of the globe, including Africa, Southeast Asia, India and Central and South America.
Common symptoms of malaria include high fever, chills, sweating, nausea and vomiting. The parasite may even impair the function of the brain and spinal cord, which can be fatal.
You can, however, prevent malaria and protect your travel health. If you'll be traveling to an area where malaria is prevalent, visit your doctor to get preventative medication before your trip. If you aren't sure if malaria is prevalent at your travel destination, check out this useful chart published by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
In order to be effective, this medication must be in your system prior to traveling. In addition, do everything you can to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes, including sleeping with a mosquito net and wearing long-sleeve shirts and long pants.
In addition to malaria, travelers to some remote countries may be at risk of contracting any number of tropical or water-borne diseases not found in their home environments. These may include:
Vaccines for all of these diseases are available, and depending on where you'll be traveling, some may be required to enter the country. If you'll be visiting a region where any of these diseases are present, visit your doctor and get vaccinated before you go. The CDC’s Destinations Page is an excellent resource for determining which vaccinations you'll need.
Commonly referred to as "traveler's diarrhea," the intestinal illness caused by ingesting contaminated food or water is more than just a little discomfort. These infections can be life-threatening, causing severe dehydration, fever and chills. Most often caused by bacteria or other pathogens present in water or food, these types of infections can be prevented with a little planning.
If you'll be in a country where the safety of the water supply is in question, don't drink or brush your teeth with anything but bottled water. Carry chlorine tablets with you (available at sporting goods stores) to sanitize water in the event that bottled water isn't available. Better yet, if you're able to, boil your water for ten minutes before using it.
As for food, avoid eating raw fruits or vegetables that can't be washed with an antibacterial solution or peeled. Only eat meats, eggs and dairy products that have been fully cooked. Avoid consuming anything perishable that you suspect may have been kept at room temperature for more than an hour.
If you'll be some distance away from a medical facility or town, carry a first aid kit with some basic items, including:
These items can help you perform some basic first aid in the event of a minor injury or discomfort.
Although medical travel insurance is a good idea no matter where you'll be traveling, having this coverage in a remote area is absolutely vital. Medical travel insurance will cover the cost of being transported to a hospital by ambulance or helicopter, as well as the cost of your care.
If your condition is life threatening or if your injuries make it impossible for you to continue your trip--such as in the event of a broken bone--this insurance will also pay for emergency transportation home, or to a neighboring country with good medical facilities.
In addition to covering medical costs, medical travel insurance will cover the amount you paid for your trip if you have to cut it short--providing both financial and health security.
Check out these useful travel health resources before your trip: