Tips for the Traveller

 

Make an appointment at Sandton Travel Clinic (phone 011 783-1140) well before your intended departure – 6 weeks is ideal! Certain immunization requires time to become effective so it is important to be immunized well in advance.

Plan your journey carefully – give your travel clinic consultant as much detail as possible regarding your trip so that we can help you be as prepared as possible.

Make sure that you have a wellness check before departure – especially if you are on any chronic medication and make sure that you take sufficient medication for the duration of your journey. Our well trained pharmacist will assist you in this regard.

If you return feeling unwell or develop any symptoms of illness on return, make an appointment to see a doctor as soon as possible.

Travellers Diarrhoea

Diarrhoeal illness is one of the commonest ailments affecting travellers. It is important to note that differences in the mineral content of water found in many parts of the world as well as a change of diet can cause minor changes in bowel movements. This may not require treatment.

Traveller’s diarrhoea can be avoided by sensibly avoiding ingestion of micro organisms that commonly cause infection in humans – e coli being one of the most common.

Tips to avoid Travellers Diarrhoea

Cook it, Peel it, Boil it or Leave it!!

 

• Do not drink water out of the tap unless you are absolutely sure that it is safe to do so.
• If unsure, drink bottled water (bottled sparkling water is even safer!) or use water purification tablets.
• Boiling water prior to ingestion is also a safe means of sterilisation.
• Avoid ice, salads and fruit or vegetables that cannot be peeled.
• Hot, well cooked meat, fish or vegetables are the safest options whilst travelling.

If you develop diarrhoea ORAL REHYDRATION is the mainstay of treatment. Drink clean safe water with added electrolytes (your travel clinic or doctor will supply these on request) or even cold diluted fruit juice (clear apple is best or Energade/Powerade/Game).

Severe diarrhoea that continues for more than 24 hours, severe abdominal cramps accompanying diarrhoea, or the passing of bloody stools usually requires medical treatment. Speak to your travel clinic consultant about taking a course of suitable antibiotics with you on your journey in case you develop traveller’s diarrhoea.

Babies, small children and the elderly can dehydrate rapidly so it may be prudent to seek medical advice sooner rather that later for these 'at risk' age groups.