Iran - Andrew Burke [350]
INSURANCE
RECOMMENDED VACCINATIONS
MEDICAL CHECKLIST
INTERNET RESOURCES
FURTHER READING
IN TRANSIT
DEEP VEIN THROMBOSIS (DVT)
JET LAG & MOTION SICKNESS
IN IRAN
AVAILABILITY & COST OF HEALTH CARE
INFECTIOUS DISEASES
TRAVELLER’S DIARRHOEA
ENVIRONMENTAL HAZARDS
TRAVELLING WITH CHILDREN
WOMEN’S HEALTH
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Due in part to its dryness and relative isolation, your chances of getting seriously ill with a virus or other infectious disease in Iran are fairly small. The most common reason for travellers needing medical help is as a result of accidents – the quality of Iranian cars and, more to the point, Iranian driving is dangerously low. If you are unfortunate enough to need a hospital, the good news is that Iran is home to some of the best in the Middle East. Many doctors have been trained in Europe or North America and, especially in the larger cities, you shouldn’t have too much trouble finding one who speaks English. In remoter areas, medical facilities are more basic.
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BEFORE YOU GO
A little planning before departure, particularly for pre-existing illnesses, will save you a lot of trouble later. See your dentist before a long trip; carry a spare pair of contact lenses and glasses (and take your optical prescription with you); and carry a first-aid kit.
It’s tempting to leave it all to the last minute – don’t! Many vaccines don’t ensure immunity for two weeks, so visit a doctor four to eight weeks before departure. Ask your doctor for an International Certificate of Vaccination (otherwise known as the yellow booklet), which will list all the vaccinations you’ve received. While yellow fever is not a problem in Iran, if you’re arriving from a country where it is a problem you might be asked to show proof of yellow fever vaccination before you’re allowed in.
Travellers can register with the International Association for Medical Advice to Travellers (IAMAT; www.iamat.org). Its website can help travellers to find a doctor with recognised training. Those heading off to very remote areas may like to do a first-aid course (Red Cross and St John Ambulance can help), or attend a remote medicine first-aid course such as that offered by the Royal Geographical Society (www.rgs.org).
Bring medications in their original, clearly labelled, containers. A signed and dated letter from your physician describing your medical conditions and medications, including generic names, is also a good idea. If carrying syringes or needles, be sure to have a physician’s letter documenting their medical necessity.
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INSURANCE
Find out in advance if your insurance plan will make payments directly to providers or reimburse you later for overseas health expenditures (in many countries doctors expect payment in cash); it’s also worth ensuring your travel insurance will cover repatriation home or to better medical facilities elsewhere. Your insurance company might be able to locate the nearest source of medical help, but it’s probably faster to ask your hotel or, in an emergency, call your embassy or consulate. Travel insurance usually covers emergency dental treatment. Not all insurance covers emergency aeromedical evacuation home or to a hospital in a major city, which may be the only way to get medical attention for a serious emergency.
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RECOMMENDED VACCINATIONS
The World Health Organization recommends that all travellers regardless of the region they are travelling in should be covered for diphtheria, tetanus, measles, mumps, rubella and polio, as well as hepatitis B. While making preparations to travel, take the opportunity to ensure that all of your routine vaccination cover is complete. However, in Iran outbreaks are rare.
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MEDICAL CHECKLIST
Following is a list of other items you should consider packing in your medical kit.
Acetaminophen/paracetamol (Tylenol) or aspirin
Adhesive or paper tape
Antibacterial ointment (eg Bactroban) for cuts and abrasions
Antibiotics (if travelling off the beaten