HERE’S TO YOUR HEALTH OVERSEAS
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MORE THAN JUST MOSQUITOES “When it comes to holidaying in tropical climes, I can’t stress enough the importance of preparation. Whether it’s a relaxing package holiday in beautiful Thailand or an adventurous trek through the incredible Amazon rainforest, one thing’s for sure, there are plenty of nasty bugs that could dramatically cut short your dream holiday! My work involves controlling diseases spread by mosquitoes and other biting critters. This means I travel to tropical countries a lot and as a consequence, as soon as holiday season arrives I can guarantee countless requests from friends and family about what precautions they should take. So, here are my top tips: 1. Get advice from your GP or a travel clinic; don’t rely on friends or travel agencies. Remember, some jabs must be given weeks in advance, so don’t leave it too late! 2. Take anti-malarial tablets religiously if recommended. 3. Wear loose clothing, cover up at dawn and dusk.
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4. Sleep soundly by taking a mosquito net (preferably treated with insecticide).Tuck it in and make sure there are no holes. 5. Avoid mosquito bites by taking a good repellent! DEET (50% strength) should be used in tropical countries with high disease risk. Natural alternatives such as lemon and eucalyptus oils can also be used in low risk areas, as they include a natural deet-like ingredient (PMD). 6. Carry the repellent around with you. Most mosquitoes bite at dawn and dusk but some will bite during the day! 7. Apply the repellent to ALL exposed areas, like you would a suntan lotion. 8. Don’t scratch mosquito bites! Sure it feels good, but it can break the skin leaving it open to bacteria and secondary infections. As long as you are sensible, the chances are you will be fine, which will above all, allow you to enjoy your holiday! “ Dr. James Logan Lecturer at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine