An ounce of prevention can go a long way when you're traveling to the tropics, and this maxim holds true even when you're packing your bags for the well-traveled Caribbean. "People need to put the same kind of preparation into their health as they do into their destination choice, passport acquisition or flight plans," says travel-health expert Michelle Reesman, RN, executive director of Passport Health Colorado, who offers 10 easy steps you can take to ensure that your next Caribbean trip is healthy as well as happy.
Difficulty: Average
Time Required: Varies
Here's How:
- Get advice from a travel health professional. Four to six weeks before departure, consult a travel medicine specialist for the most up-to-date immunization, malaria recommendations and consultation. They can answer your questions and prepare you for a safe and healthy trip. It's important to get your immunizations early, as some of the vaccines take time to effectively protect you. You also can check the travel warnings issued by the Centers for Disease Control for each Caribbean island.
- Protect yourself from disease-bearing insects. Wear protective clothing and use products containing 20-30 percent DEET, the insect repellant permethrin, and bed nets.
- Never go barefoot, even on the beach. Nothing ruins an active Caribbean vacation than a nasty cut on your foot from a hidden piece of glass or sharp coral, which can easily get infected in the tropics.
- Make sure your water is purified. Do not use tap water when brushing your teeth. Almost every hotel room has bottled water these days, so use it!
- Consume only well-cooked food. Fruits and veggies? Peel it, boil it, or forget it!
- Pre-fill your prescriptions, they may not be available at your destination. Take extra in case your trip is extended. In some countries counterfeit medications can be a problem. Carry medications in their original packaging and pack in your carry-on luggage.
- Don't swim in rivers, lakes, ponds and streams. Well-chlorinated pools and salt water are usually considered safe.
- Take a basic first aid kit. Include medications for pain relief, such as ibuprofen and Tylenol, topical preparations for minor skin wounds and infections, and medications for allergic reactions (Benadryl). Consider presumptive treatment (Imodium and an antibiotic) for traveler's diarrhea. Discuss the appropriate antibiotics for your destination with a travel health specialist.
- Motor vehicle accidents are the leading cause of medical problems among tourists. Avoid riding motorcycles or wear a helmet, and don't drink and drive. Wear a seatbelt and only travel during daylight hours.
- Purchase travel insurance that includes emergency medical evacuation. Most medical insurance plans aren't accepted when you travel internationally.
