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