| When ignorance isn’t bliss |
|
|
|
Page 2 of 2 Staying safe and well on holidayTummy tipsIn hot climates avoid an upset tummy by eating only freshly cooked food and steering clear of salads, seafood and ice cubes. Only eat fruit you can peel and drink bottled or canned drinks. Don’t eat anything that could have been exposed to flies. Check that the crockery and cutlery is clean in restaurants. Remember, if the local tap water is not safe to drink, you must use bottled water for cleaning your teeth and even avoid splashing water in your mouth when showering.Mosquito bitesAvoid mosquito bites by wearing long-sleeved clothing and trousers after sunset (when most bites occur). Use an insect repellent on thin clothing as well as any exposed skin. Spraying insecticides in your room, burning pyrethroid coils and heating insecticide-impregnated tablets will help to control these pests. Always use a mosquito net impregnated with insecticide when sleeping in an unscreened room or in the open.Road safetyIt is easy to forget when crossing the road that the traffic may be coming from the opposite direction to what you’re used to.Check hire vehicles as far as possible for mechanical defects before you leave the rental area. Be extra careful when using scooters and motor bicycles on poorly maintained roads – they offer little protection in the event of an accident and exhaust burns are all too common. Never drink and drive. Safety on the beach and in the poolAvoid swimming alone, immediately after a big meal or after consuming alcohol. Swim only in approved places with a beach patrol or lifeguard on duty and be aware of fast-moving tides and currents.Don’t use airbeds or inflatable dinghies in the sea – they can easily be blown a long distance off shore by the wind. If this happens stay ‘aboard’ and try to attract attention rather than risk hypothermia in the water. Avoid contact with coral – scrapes and grazes take a long time to heal and are liable to become infected. Scuba divers should always dive with a buddy. Protect yourself from the sun by wearing a suitable sunscreen at all times and quality sunglasses. Children and anyone with a fair skin should cover up with a t-shirt. Returning homeRemember to finish taking your course of your malaria tablets. If you get a fever or flu symptoms up to two years after your return, seek medical attention and tell the doctor that you have been in a malaria area.Start planning your next (healthy) trip! Further informationThe Rough Guide to Travel Health by Nick Jones (£9.99) contains masses of useful advice on all aspects of travel health. He gives the following websites plus many others:
|
