After the National Institute of Communicable Diseases (NICD) recently reported 13 suspected cases of diphtheria in KwaZulu Natal, including five deaths, safety concerns are being raised with regards to travelling. Dr Pete Vincent of Netcare Travel Clinics and Medicross Tokai in Cape Town has given the following tips on how to ensure safe travels and avoiding diseases.
Protecting your family
Dr Vincent advises travellers to consider the following when planning their vacation:
- Your destination – Certain destinations may pose specific medical risks such as malaria, yellow fever, meningitis or hepatitis. Most of these diseases can be avoided by vaccination, prophylactic medication and precautions regarding food and water consumption.
- The activities you plan – Are you going white-water rafting, diving, backpacking, bicycling or riding a scooter? Always remember to wear a helmet. Also, plan for the specific activities you will be undertaking.
- If you suffer from chronic medical conditions make sure that it is not likely to be aggravated by your planned trip. Check whether you will be able to get the necessary medical treatment if needed and that replacement of medicine will not pose problems if yours gets lost or damaged. It is wise to have copies of your prescription or the generic names of your medication on hand. Travel insurance that covers repatriation is an imperative.
- Your accommodation – If you will be staying in a five-star air-conditioned beach resort in Mombasa, you have a different risk profile than if you are staying in a hut in rural Brazil with the locals.
Travelling with young children
The prospect of air travel with babies or young children can be hard, not only for parents but also for fellow passengers. Airlines, not wishing to discourage either from travelling, go to great lengths to provide maximum comfort and convenience.
It is important to notify the airline at the time of booking, and at least 24 to 48 hours prior to departure, of the presence of a baby and his/her age. Some airlines are more flexible than others and require a shorter notice period. Please check with your travel agent and your travel clinic to ensure the health and wellbeing of your children.
Be vigilant around any water source and remember that, after traffic accidents, drowning is the most prevalent cause of mortality in travelling children.
Encourage everyone, particularly children, to look both ways before crossing a street, especially while travelling.
What to pack
- Small packs of sealed wet wipes
- Sunscreen Protection
- Insect repellents if appropriate
- Anti bacterial cream for cuts and abrasions and associated band-aids
- Self-treatment for travellers’ diarrhoea
- Self-treatment for respiratory infections
- A small pair of scissors and tweezers can also come in handy
- Chronic medication – always remember to take your medication along, together with copies of your prescription and the generic names of your medication
“If you’re travelling by air, make sure the items and packaging comply with airline requirements. The most important part of your holiday is to enjoy it to the fullest and to return home happy, healthy and safe,” concludes Dr Vincent.
