Iceland (Lonely Planet, 7th Edition) - Fran Parnell [286]
The standard of dental care is usually good; however, it’s sensible to have a dental check-up before a long trip.
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TRAVELLER’S DIARRHOEA
It’s very unlikely that you will suffer diarrhoea in Iceland. The tap water is absolutely safe to drink and is probably less contaminated than bottled water, since it generally flows straight from the nearest glacier.
If you are susceptible to upset stomachs, do what you would do at home: avoid dairy products that contain unpasteurised milk, make sure your food is served piping hot throughout and avoid buffet-style meals.
If you are unlucky enough to develop diarrhoea, be sure to drink plenty of fluids, preferably an oral rehydration solution (eg dioralyte). If diarrhoea is bloody, persists for more than 72 hours or is accompanied by fever, shaking, chills or severe abdominal pain, you should seek medical attention.
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ENVIRONMENTAL HAZARDS
Giardia
Giardia is an intestinal parasite that lives in the faeces of humans and animals and is normally contracted through drinking water. Problems can start several weeks after you’ve been exposed to the parasite, and symptoms may sometimes remit for a few days and then return; this can go on for several weeks or even longer. The first signs are a swelling of the stomach, followed by pale faeces, diarrhoea, frequent gas and possibly headache, nausea and depression. If you exhibit these symptoms you should visit a doctor for treatment.
Although most unpopulated areas in Iceland serve as sheep pastures, there seems to be very little giardia; however, while most people have no problems drinking untreated water from streams and rivers, there’s still a possibility of contracting it. If you are unsure, purify your drinking water by boiling it for 10 minutes or use a chemical treatment such as iodine.
Hypothermia & Frostbite
Proper preparation will reduce the risks of getting hypothermia. Even on a hot day in the mountains, the weather can change rapidly – carry waterproof garments and warm layers, and inform others of your route.
Acute hypothermia follows a sudden drop of temperature over a short time. Chronic hypothermia is caused by a gradual loss of temperature over hours.
Hypothermia starts with shivering, loss of judgment and clumsiness. Unless rewarming occurs, the sufferer deteriorates into apathy, confusion and coma. Prevent further heat loss by seeking shelter, wearing warm, dry clothing, drinking hot, sweet drinks and sharing body warmth.
Frostbite is caused by freezing and the subsequent damage to bodily extremities. It is dependent on wind-chill, temperature and the length of exposure. Frostbite starts as frostnip (white, numb areas of skin), from which complete recovery is expected with rewarming. As frostbite develops, however, the skin blisters and becomes black. Loss of damaged tissue eventually occurs. You should wear adequate clothing, stay dry, keep well hydrated and ensure you have adequate calorie intake to prevent frostbite. Treatment involves rapid rewarming. Avoid refreezing and rubbing the affected areas.
Insect Bites & Stings
Mosquitoes are found even in Iceland, although rarely. They’re not as ferocious as their southern cousins and may not carry malaria, but they can cause irritation and infected bites. Use a DEET-based insect repellent if necessary.
Bees and wasps cause real problems only to those with a severe allergy (anaphylaxis). If you have such an allergy, carry EpiPen or similar adrenalin injections.
Seasickness
The sea around Iceland is an unpredictable beast. Things can sometimes get rough aboard whale-watching trips, or on the little ferries that run to islands off the coast of Iceland (eg to the Vestmannaeyjar or to Grímsey).
If you’re feeling queasy, fresh air and watching the horizon may help, as this balances the sensations in the inner ear