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*Malaria Prophylaxis- Depending on the destination, prophylaxis against malaria is often recommended. Depending on your distination, a antimalarial medication will be prescribed. It if very important that the medication is begun at least one week prior to your departure. Additionally, it is necessary to continue the medication for a few weeks after your trip is over. A DEET containing mosquito repellant is essential. DEET stays on clothing even after it is washed. Therefore spraying DEET on your clothes, a hat and if needed mosquito netting isan important part of the strategy to repel an infection. DEET repellants will also help avoid other mosquito transmitted illness.
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| *Diarrhea- Prevention is the key. Avoid fresh fruits and vegetables as there is a risk that it is washed in local water. Drink bottled water from reputable sources. Even if it is bottled, it is no guarantee that the water is clean. Do not over look the water with which you brush your teeth. Either use safe bottled water or use an electric kettle ( with appropriate converter) to provide a constant source of clean water. Constipation is a common consequence of this advice, so a bottle of milk of magnesia or fiber tablets is suggested. The homeopathic remedy podophyllum can be very useful. |
*High Altitudes- Depending on the elevation, high altitude sickness can occur. Avoid ascending too quickly. Most experts suggested acclimating as a step by step process along the planned ascent. In certain situations medication can be prescribed to help your body acclimate. Keep in mind high altitudes are not a good place to practice a weekend warrior approach to exertion. If your planned excursion would be difficult at your natural altitude, it should not be attempted at your high altitude vacation.
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| *Sea Sickness- Patients who have experienced this illness can be prescribed preventative medication. For mild cases over the counter dramamine or antihistamine will work. For more severe cases prescription medications are available. As the medications can have side effects, they are only recommneded for patients who have had modere to severe cases in prior trips. They are not recommended in patient who has no previous history of becoming sick at sea. To prevent sea sickenss, try to chose your destination. Some cruises are minimally exposed to rough waves, others allow you to experience the entire Atlantic ocean. Also pick the boat. A cabin in the middle of the boat on a lower deck of a large boat, is less prone to motion illness. Staying on the front side of the highest deck of a small boat may be a recipe for a tough voyage. The homeopathic remedy Borax can also be useful. |
| *Pediatric Considerations- It is a good idea to take the medications that work well for your child. Something for fever (Tylenol or Motrin), something for a stuffy nose that works well for your child, and pedialyte are all things that may not be available at your destination. For those sensitive stomachs or children with food allergies, make sure to take powder formula that your child tolerates well in multiple suitcases. Sunblock is recommended for just about all children after infancy. |
| *Jet Lag- It is a good idea to have a strategy for jet lag. Most people take a week to adjust to a new time zone. If the vacation or business trip is only 3-4 days, a lot valuable time can be wasted. For an employer this could lead to a tremendous amount of paid, lost productivity. |
*Sun Protection- In one sentence use a sunscreen that contains titanium dioxide or zinc oxide
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| www.myhealthcare.org |
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| Loudoun Travel Clinic / travel vaccine is located in Lansdowne convenient to Ashburn, Leesburg and most of Loudoun. 703-729-9220. Full service travel clinic, certified Yellow Fever vaccination center. |
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