Every holiday is a great opportunity to immerse yourself in the local culture but what happens when good vacations go bad? Common travel illnesses like too much sun and sexually transmitted infections can be easily avoided if you apply common sense. But what about the nasty diseases that you might come across?Here are a few to watch out for:
1. Montezuma’s Revenge aka Traveler’s Diarrhea is probably the most common travel illness, because it can be found anywhere. Unfortunately it is also one of the most difficult to prevent, because it strikes regardless of where you are in the world. You can reduce the chances of getting diarrhea by only drinking bottled purified water and avoiding fresh fruit, salad and vegetables as they may have been washed in contaminated water. The E. coli bacteria is very
sensitive to heat so ensure your food is well cooked and piping hot throughout!
2. Giardiasis – Also caused by contaminated food or water and, unfortunately, can be found anywhere in the world. It comes from an intestinal parasite which causes gastroenteritis. The best way to reduce your chances of getting it is building up some smart eating and drinking habits.
3. Yellow Fever – Mosquitoes carry the disease with symptoms including flu-like signs and a fever. Yellow fever is more prevalent in South America and sub-Saharan Africa so make sure you get vaccinated prior travel. Arm yourself with insect repellent lotions and sprays, and plug in repellants, as well. Make sure your room has mosquito nets fitted on the windows and use the mosquito net around your bed. Wearing long sleeves and long pants in forested areas, near water and after the sun goes down will help to avoid bites. Vaccinations are required 10 days before arrival to Africa, Asia, some parts of South America and the Caribbean.
4. Dengue Fever – This nasty disease is also attributed to pesky mosquitoes! Symptoms of dengue fever included severe flu-like symptoms and muscle and joint pain. Parts of the Caribbean, South Pacific, Asia, Latin America and Africa are affected and the same advice for avoiding mosquitoes applies as above.
5. Norovirus – A large group of people in close confines is a breeding setting for the disease. Norovirus is pretty unpleasant with symptoms including nausea, vomiting and diarrhea, but is rarely fatal. The virus causes gastroenteritis and spreads through contaminated food and water and food and unfortunately there is no prevention or treatment.
6. Lyme Disease – The bacteria from infected tick bites can cause Lyme Disease and is found in forest areas of Asia and Europe and in certain areas of North America. Make sure you use repellants to avoid symptoms including rashes, headaches and fevers.
7. Typhoid – Another disease to look out for is typhoid which is spread through contaminated food and drink via a bacteria. South Asia, Africa, South and Central America and the Caribbean are higher risk areas and typhoid, which you can be vaccinated against if traveling to a high-risk area, can be fatal. Vaccinations are recommended 10 days before travel.
8. Malaria – A bite from an infected mosquito (yet again!) could leave you with malaria, which can be potentially fatal and symptoms can include headaches and chills. Malarial diseases are found in much of the developing world (Latin America, Asia, Africa, the South Pacific, Caribbean and parts of Eastern Europe). Check whether your
destination is an affected area and get yourself to your doctor or health clinic to stock up on malaria prevention medications. You can reduce your chances of infection by stocking up on repellent sprays and use the mosquito nets in your room.
9. Hepatitis – The version most likely to affect travelers is Hepatitis A as is spread through water and uncooked foods. Hepatitis A is classified as an ‘acute liver disease,’ with symptoms including general fatigue, headaches, fever, jaundice and sore muscles. Vaccinations (2 weeks prior to travel) are highly recommended, no matter where you’re travelling to, for peace of mind.
image: istock photo
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