MedClick

Medical problems can arise anywhere not only in India or in the remote Amazons. Viruses and bacteria (flu and diarrhoea, to name a few) can also ruin a business trip or a relaxed family holiday on the Rhine or in Disneyworld.

Being prepared and aware can avoid you a lot of distress and save you the experience of feeling helpless in a foreign country. In extreme circumstances it might even save your life.

Once you have decided upon your destination, first and foremost make sure that you have been vaccinated. Some of the vaccinations, such as Hepatitis A and B are administered in a series of injections, a month apart from each other; so if you failed to get any of the doses in the series, you will not be fully protected.

1.    Vaccinations - The anti-tetanus vaccine is effective for 10 years.. Before leaving, check the date of your last tetanus vaccination and find out whether you need a booster. Please note that all school children are routinely immunised. Also note that the Meningitis C conjugate vaccine (MenC) has been part of the routine childhood immunisation programme since 1999, so it would also be advisable to check if your child has been inoculated.

2.    Infections -Infections which can ruin a trip, are usually of the kind that can be caught from water and food. In non-Western countries one should be careful with water - whether it is water for drinking, for brushing your teeth, for showers, swimming, ice cubes, ice creams and even fruit juices (which can be diluted with water). Unless you are specifically told the tap water is safe, do not drink it, brush your teeth with it or accept ice in your drinks. Ask for bottled water, make sure the seal is broken in front of you and wherever possible ask for carbonated water as that could not have been replaced with tap water and it is slightly acidic, which inhibits the growth of bacteria. Peel all fruit; avoid buffets in hotels, the food on which may have been lying on the table for hours. Avoid mayonnaise which is a common source of food poisoning and, wherever possible, to minimise the risk of food poisoning eat freshly cooked, hot food.

3.    Chronic conditions - If you are being treated for a chronic condition, or if you are taking medications regularly (in case of high blood pressure, diabetes, asthma, etc.), bring enough medication to last your entire trip plus an extra week. To be on the safe side, ask your doctor to give you a written list of all the generic names of the drugs you take (or may need). Make sure you keep this list together with your passport and other travel documents. If you are allergic to penicillin or any other drug, or if you suffer from epilepsy, diabetes or a heart condition, make sure you carry this information on your person for the entire trip. Cardiac patients would be wise to keep a copy of their latest ECG tracing. Diabetic patients are advised to carry a sugar cube or some sweets, including a note explaining their condition. Any pre-existing condition, which might manifest itself in your losing consciousness, ought to be duly noted on your person (preferably on a medic-alert bracelet, locket or somewhere else it may easily be located).

4.    Medical regulations - If you are planning to travel between different countries, find out whether there are any medical regulations relevant to your transit and ensure you are protected against all of the risks that you may encounter during your trip. Please note, there may be "seasonal" requirements for illnesses, such as malaria. Consider taking the appropriate medication.

5.    First aid kit - It would be advisable to prepare a small first aid kit containing various sizes of plasters, antiseptic lotion, analgesics (fever and pain preventing medications), bandages and cotton-wool, and an elastic bandage together with any over the counter medications you might need (antacids, throat lozenges etc.). For extra support, try preparing a second aid kit with safety pins, buttons, 2-3 thread spools (black, white and brown), needles and a pair of small scissors. Please note that you will not be able to carry the second aid kit in your hand luggage.

6.    Dentistry - If you are going on a trekking expedition or to a developing country; in order to avoid the risk of having to visit a dentist in your country of destination, it would be advisable to go for a dental check up about a month prior to your departure. Specially designed 'emergency' dental kits are now available in major pharmacies. If your trip is really out in the wilds and well away from a competent dentist, the purchase of one of these kits will enable you to temporarily replace a lost filling, or to replace or repair a crown or bridge until you are in a position to consult a competent dentist.