This article will detail some of the health
concerns that travelers to Central America and Argentina should
be aware of, and prepared for in advance.
Vaccines
Depending on your age, sex, health history, and exactly where
you plan on going, your doctor may decide that you, and any children
that you are traveling with to Central America should have the
following vaccinations:
Hepatitis A
Hepatitis B
Rabies
Typhoid Fever
Yellow Fever
Make sure to contact your physician well before leaving your home
country (say, a couple of months), because other immunizations
(such as tetanus or diphtheria) may need to be updated as well.
Travelers' Diarrhea
Visitors to Central America complain more about travelers’ diarrhea
than any other medical issue. Make sure that you have packed ample
anti-diarrhea tablets (such as diphenoxylate) for everyone in
your Central America traveling party. Since this ailment is caused
by strains of bacteria contaminating food and water, you should
avoid drinking tap water, unsealed beverages, and unpasturized
milk, and do not eat raw vegetables, ice, or undercooked meat
or poultry. If you do succumb to travelers diahrrea and are suffering
for more than 2-3 days, visit a Central American doctor immediately.
Malaria
Malaria is contracted by being bitten by an infected mosquito.
If you plan on traveling to a Central American resort, these measures
probably aren’t necessary. However, for all other travelers to
Central America, you’ll want to have anti-malarial drugs on hand
at all times, and try to reduce the amount of contact you have
with mosquitoes, by wearing long sleeved shirts and pants, dark
colored clothing, and staying out of high risk rural areas.
Prescription Drugs
If you are taking prescription drugs before your travels to Central
America, make sure to pack enough for the entire trip, plus some
extra just in case. Label all medications well, and wear a medical
alert bracelet with a list of the medications inside (in both
English and any other languages used in the area you are traveling
to within Central America), just in case something does happen,
and you are unable to tell someone.
Medical Insurance
Check before leaving your home country if your medical insurance
will cover any expenses incurred while traveling to Central America.
If not, purchasing some extra insurance is a wise decision.
Animal Bites
Even if you have recently had a tetanus shot, or have been immunized
against rabies, if you are bitten by an animal while traveling
to Central America, visit a doctor immediately.
Insect Repellant
If you are traveling within Central America where insects are
a known problem, make sure to carry insect repellant with you
at all times. Apply it to both your clothing and skin, and make
sure everyone in your party has done the same.
Sun Block
The sun can be extremely brutal for travelers to Central America
who aren’t used to the heat. Make sure to bring lots of sunscreen,
and apply it regularly and well before venturing outside. Also,
a hat is recommended to deflect some of the sun’s rays.
About the Author
Jean Sutherland is the owner of the informative website http://www.spasoftheworld.com/europe/germany.htm
& http://www.spasoftheworld.com/spas/index.html She has worked
in the travel industry for over 10 years and lived in Mexico
for 3 years. Please also look at the Mexican Animal Shelter
site she supports. http://www.anitasanimals.com
|
Health, Wealth, Travel and Technology Magazine