Once bitten, twice shy

You are trekking deep through the jungles of a far away land and you feel a rush of adrenaline as you take in your surreal surroundings.

You hear the sounds of every living thing around you and you wonder why you never came before.

However, the next morning you wake up covered from head to toe in bites from some mysterious creature and you now wish you'd brought an extra ten bottles of insect repellent! It recently happened to a friend of mine, and it can happen to you too.

Be prepared

When planning an adventure holiday or even a city break, how often do you research health statistics?

When you pack your suitcase, do you make sure you have a mosquito net, first-aid kit, or have had the appropriate vaccinations for the country you are visiting?

Having a complete physical check-up before travelling is also a good idea in order to ensure you have the correct medication with you at all times.

It is important to check you have no illnesses you were previously unaware of, according to Dr Laura Elena Tepelus, head of the department of Occupational Health and member of the Infection Control Committee at Cedars, Jebel Ali International Hospital.

“It is advised to have a check-up one month before the journey to make sure you are healthy enough to make the trip,'' said Tepelus.

“If someone has high blood pressure, for example, they should take the necessary precautions for the flight.''

If a traveller is experiencing symptoms such as vomiting it should be investigated further to make sure they are not carrying transmittable diseases.

Each continent has certain requirements set according to the World Health Organisation (WHO) and depending on these, some vaccinations might be compulsory in order to be let into the country.

So, it is better to be prepared otherwise you might be sent back on the same flight you arrived in on!

“One example is the yellow fever vaccination which is required before you enter many countries,'' said Tepelus.

The Yellow International Vaccination Card will be issued once you have a clean bill of health to travel to countries that require this to be presented as an official document.

From A to B

It is advised to have a vaccination for Hepatitis B (which can be transmitted through the blood and is incurable) no matter where you are travelling as a precaution against any accidents that require a blood transfusion.

It is best taken at least two to four weeks prior to your journey as the body needs time to increase immunity.

Hepatitis A and typhoid can be transmitted through food and water and in some cases can be fatal.

It is therefore recommended travellers take one vaccination, which covers both hepatitis A and B, and a separate one for typhoid before setting off.

Also recommended is the diphtheria and tetanus routine vaccine in order to maintain a protective level of antitoxin in the blood.

The dT vaccine is not compulsory for adults but advised by WHO for certain geographic areas.

Furthermore, almost all countries around the world urge visitors to take malaria prevention tablets.

“Depending on the traveller, anti-malaria tablets should be taken about a week before the travel date and once a week until up to four weeks after they arrive,'' said Tepelus.

Tips for surviving long flights

If you have a health issue, you should first make sure you have the right medication.

Also:

• Have small meals
• Do breathing exercises
• Make sure you move your legs
• Check with your doctor to recommend the perfect exercises to perform on the flight

Precautions for different types of trips

Jungle trek: Getting the proper vaccinations is strongly advised as well as taking anti-mosquito bite products and insect repellent.

Safari: Some vaccines are necessary while others are strongly advised depending on the country. You may be advised to get a rabies shot but Dr. Tepelus says this can always be taken in case of any emergencies while abroad.

Mountain trek: Depending on the geographical location, it is best to always carry a first-aid kit and medicine in case of fever or motion sickness.

Proper hygiene: Includes regular hand washing and paying special attention to the water. Fruit/vegetable providers should be taken into consideration to avoid diseases such as hepatitis A, B and typhoid.

If you have any doubts about what health precautions you should be taking before travelling, speak to your doctor.