Travel Precautions

Answer to Rubber Band question: Rubber Bands last longer when kept in a refrigerator.

This article is taken from the Sunday Times Pulse feature on 31/05/2009. It suggested some precautions you can take to help yourself from falling sick while on your well-earned vacation during the school holidays amidst the H1N1 flu outbreak.

If you are determined not to let the worldwide spread of the H1N1 flu virus derail your plans, you should at least take some precautions so that your travel is as hiccup-free as possible.

A/Prof Helen Oh from Changi Hospital recommends vaccination before traveling. She says that vaccination is important as they protect people against disease. Family physician Roy Chio argued more strongly that traveling without getting vaccinated first is to take unacceptable risks.

Recommended vaccinations for travelers vary according to region and range from $10 to more than $100. For parents traveling with children, it is advised that they consult their little one's doctor regarding vaccinations. It is important to know which of your child's vaccination is up to date as some are effective for periods of a few months to a few years.

Aside from diseases, a travel medical kit is also essential for a host of ailments which may be minor but will almost certainly ruin a holiday. Here is one comprehensive list of must-have items.

* Travel sickness pills, which prevents attacks of nausea when you are on a plane, on a winding road or in a boat. These stabilize the body's balance mechanism.

* Cough and cold medication, preferably in pill form to avoid spillage or security complications at the airport.

* Anti-diarrhea medication, such as oral dehydration salts, charcoal pills and most importantly, anti-vomitting pills.

* Jet lag pills, with the most natural being melatonin in capsule form. These are best taken closer to normal sleeping time at the destination to help induce sleep.

* Fever- and pain-control tablets. Refrain from taking antibiotics on a holiday as misuse of it may result in kidney dysfunction.

* Plasters, antiseptic wipes and bandages. Exposed wounds may get infected, especially if in a dirty area or when surfing in the sea.

* Disposable sterile needles. These are especially important when traveling to countries where healthcare standards may be poor. .

Once abroad, it is best to be wary of the local water supply as drinking dirty water is one of the easiest ways to fall sick or contract Hepatitis A. Drink only bottled mineral water and make sure the cap is sealed properly.

With the global spread of the H1N1 flu virus, many travelers are wearing masks to protect themselves. But doctors say there are also other common ailments which can hit you and advise taking steps to protect yourself by carrying a travel medical kit. There is a kit in CGH that costs only $12.35 and it contains medication such as oral hydration salts, antacid tablets and antiseptic cream.

Healthy Holidays:
Vaccinate yourself before traveling.

Meningococcal meningitis ($70):
Symptoms include severe headaches and fever and, if unchecked, may lead to death within two days. It is spread by close contact with a carrier.

Tetanus ($10-$15):
Caused by bacteria entering dirty wounds and producing tetanus toxins in the body. Those affected may experience rigid convulsions leading to death.

Hepatitis A ($90):
Viral infection of the liver but unlikely to be fatal. It can be caused by food that is not well-cooked, especially seafood.

Hepatitis B ($30-$40):
Viral infection of the liver, which is potentially lethal. The virus is transmitted through contact with the blood of other body fluids of an affected person but not through casual contact.

Typhoid or typhoid fever ($28):
Causes high fever and diarrhea with a rash of flat, rose-coloured spots sometimes appearing on the body. Spread through contaminated food and water.

Oral Medications to Pack:

Hay fever ($3-$5):
Its proper name is allergic rhinitis and it is caused by pollen and occurs mostly during summer. It especially affects people who are allergic to dust and flower pollen. Antihistamines should be an effective treatment.

Malaria ($88 for 12 tablets):
Causes high fever and is potentially fatal. It is spread by mosquitos carrying a specific type of bacteria. There is no vaccination for it but oral drugs can be taken to reduce the likelihood of contracting it.

Destinations where you may contract these diseases:

North America: No vaccination required. Hay fever may be a problem in June.
South America, Africa: Meningococcal meningitis, malaria, hepatitis A.
India & China: Hepatitis A & Typhoid.
Middle East: Meningococcal meningitis & hepatitis A.South East Asia: Hepatitis A.