Peru - Lonely Planet Publications [468]
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BEFORE YOU GO
Since most vaccines don’t provide immunity until at least two weeks after they’re given, visit a doctor four to eight weeks before departure. Don’t forget to take your vaccination certificate with you (aka the yellow booklet); it’s mandatory for countries that require proof of yellow-fever vaccination on entry.
Bring medications in their original, clearly labeled 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.
If your health insurance doesn’t cover you for medical expenses abroad, get extra travel insurance – check Click here for more information. Find out in advance if your travel insurance will make payments directly to providers or reimburse you later for overseas health expenditures. (Many doctors in Peru, though, expect payment in cash.)
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H1N1
The H1N1 virus (commonly referred to as swine flu) was given a Phase 6 rating by the World Health Organization in June 2009. A Phase 6 alert means the virus is now considered a global pandemic. Like most countries, Peru has been affected. As of October 2009, the virus was widespread geographically in Peru but the number of cases were relatively low, as was their severity.
At press time, airport staff in some countries were screening arriving passengers for symptoms of the H1N1 flu. Check with the Peruvian embassy to get up-to-date information about travel restrictions. It’s best not to travel if you have flulike symptoms of any sort.
For the latest information, check with the World Health Organization (www.who.intl).
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ONLINE RESOURCES
There is a wealth of travel-health advice on the internet. For further information, the website of Lonely Planet (www.lonelyplanet.com) is a good place to start. The World Health Organization (www.who.int/ith/) publishes a superb book called International Travel and Health, which is revised annually and is available online at no cost. Another website of general interest is MD Travel Health (www.mdtravelhealth.com), which provides complete travel-health recommendations and is updated daily.
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/tips/travelwell.html)
Canada (www.travelhealth.gc.ca)
UK (www.nhs.uk/livewell/travelhealth/)
USA (www.cdc.gov/travel/)
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FURTHER READING
For further information, see Healthy Travel Central & South America, also from Lonely Planet. If you’re traveling with children, Lonely Planet’s Travel with Children may be useful.
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IN TRANSIT
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DEEP VEIN THROMBOSIS (DVT)
Blood clots may form in the legs during plane flights, chiefly because of prolonged immobility. The longer the flight, the greater the risk. Though most blood clots are reabsorbed uneventfully, some may break off and travel through the blood vessels to the lungs, where they could cause life-threatening complications.
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MEDICAL CHECKLIST
antibiotics
antidiarrheal drugs (eg loperamide)
acetaminophen (Tylenol) or aspirin
anti-inflammatory drugs (eg ibuprofen)
antihistamines (for hay fever and allergic reactions)
antibacterial ointment (eg Bactroban; for cuts and abrasions)
steroid cream or cortisone (for poison ivy and other allergic rashes)
bandages, gauze, gauze rolls
adhesive or paper tape
scissors, safety pins, tweezers
thermometer
pocketknife
insect repellent containing DEET (for the skin)
insect spray containing permethrin (for clothing, tents and bed nets)
sunblock
oral rehydration salts
iodine tablets