The AAA of Avoiding malaria, etc.see also www.malariahotspots.co.uk
• Awareness of risk• Avoidance of bites• Antimalarial pills– Doxycycline (daily)– Mefloquine/ Lariam
(weekly)– Malarone (daily)– Chloroquine +/- proguanil
not now effective enough for Africa
Stout shoes and cover-all clothes protect you from all manner of cuts and bites and stings
Other biters
Blister beetles carry warning colouration;
they can be round and metallic-shiny
• Remember that repellents repel more than mosquitoes
Strikingly marked creatures are usually noxious. Wear shoes when swimming or strolling on tropical beaches.
The most dangerous creatures, though, are domesticated
• Beware of dogs (rabies)• And even
6-year-oldelephants
How will you feel?
• Look after your mental health (culture shock makes people vulnerable)
• Pack plenty of books or other ways to ‘escape’
• Read about your destination
• Work out how you’ll keep in touch
A word about the nightlife
The ugly side of romance: a choice of 26 STIs,and the risk of rape and robbery
Remember…. People are always watching. Travel brings diplomat-type responsibilities and can be a burden when coping with your emotional
journey. Make alliances / find buddies.
Homecoming
• Imported infections?• Screening not needed
except for HIV and schistomiasis (Africa)
• Malaria• Skin ulcers• The blues (for up to
18m after years away).• If you feel well, you
most likely are well.
• Research• Read and
• Network before departure and continue while away, so you’ll come back fit.
And FINALLY - in summary
• Check what jabs and malaria pills you need from www.fitfortravel.scot.nhs.uk then visit your GP or travel clinic
• Or… flick through a decent travel health book
• Check security the situation at www.fco.gov.uk and also www.state.gov/travel
• Play safe; be insured; carry spare funds… and be informed.
Then you’ll return with lots of good photos and stories – and no unwanted souvenirs.
Jane is at www.wilson-howarth.com
discounted to £7.50 5th edition (2009) rrp £8.99
Jane’s memoir on life in Nepal is in bookshops
rrp £9.99 discounted to £7.50
www.wilson-howarth.com
My minimal first aid kit
• Drying antiseptic (?iodine; potassium permanganate)• Water bottle with a good seal • Purification tabs• Repellents + sunscreen• Antimalarials if necessary• Knowledge of oral rehydration• Bum cream e.g. Sudocrem or Anusol• Paracetamol (soluble)• ?thermometer (esp for malarious regions)• Antihistamine tablets or steroid ointment• Steristrips + wound dressings• Crepe bandage• Dental first aid kit if over 40• Torch• Condoms• ?health guide or means of remote health advice
