Middle East - Anthony Ham [558]
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); and carry a first-aid kit with you.
It’s tempting to leave it all to the last minute – don’t! Many vaccines don’t ensure immunity until 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. This is mandatory for countries that require proof of yellow fever vaccination upon entry, but it’s a good idea to carry it wherever you travel.
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TRAVEL HEALTH WEBSITES
It’s usually a good idea to consult your government’s travel health website before departure, if one is available.
Australia (www.smartraveller.gov.au)
Canada (www.hc-sc.gc.ca/index-eng.php)
UK (www.nhs.uk/Healthcareabroad) Also check the private www.traveldoctor.co.uk.
USA (wwwn.cdc.gov/travel)
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Travellers can register with the International Association for Medical Advice to Travellers (IMAT; 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 those 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.
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 Middle Eastern countries doctors expect payment in cash). It’s also worth making sure that your travel insurance will cover repatriation home or to better medical facilities elsewhere. Your insurance company may be able to locate the nearest source of medical help, or you can ask at your hotel. In an emergency, contact your embassy or consulate. Your travel insurance will not usually cover you for anything other than 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.
RECOMMENDED VACCINATIONS
The World Health Organization (WHO) 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. The consequences of these diseases can be severe and outbreaks do occur in the Middle East.
MEDICAL CHECKLIST
Following is a list of other items you should consider packing in your medical kit.
acetaminophen/paracetamol (eg Tylenol) or aspirin
adhesive or paper tape
antibacterial ointment (eg Bactroban) for cuts and abrasions
antibiotics (if travelling off the beaten track)
antidiarrhoeal drugs (eg containing loperamide)
antihistamines (for hay fever and allergic reactions)
anti-inflammatory drugs (eg containing ibuprofen)
bandages, gauze, gauze rolls
insect repellent that contains DEET (for skin)
insect spray that contains permethrin (for clothing, tents and bed nets)
iodine tablets (for water