Travel illnesses are one of the main fears of travellers. Many of these conditions can be serious or even fatal if not treated correctly. From mosquito bites to animal bites are among the most common. Some depend on the country you are traveling to or the places you visit. For this reason, it is essential to know what they are and how they can be prevented. In this way, the necessary measures can be taken before starting a trip.
What are the most frequent travel illnesses?
When returning from a trip many take nice souvenirs. While there are others who, in their place, take some not so pleasant memories, due to an illness acquired during their trip. Let’s see what some of those more common travel illnesses are.
Traveller’s diarrhoea
It tops the most common travel illness lists. Produced by eating contaminated food or drinks. These may be in poor condition or have been made without the correct hygiene measures. There is a risk of traveller’s diarrhoea when visiting any country. However, there is a higher incidence in poor countries.
This disease does not even have vaccines. So everything will depend on the traveller. To reduce the risk, you should take precautions regarding the drinks and food you eat. Even in hotels and restaurants, you must ensure that they are of good quality. Avoiding consuming food sold on the street.
If diarrhoea appears despite taking preventive measures, you should increase your fluid intake. Try drinking bottled or previously boiled water. If the diarrhoea continues for more than a day, you should take an oral rehydration serum and continue normal food consumption. Place more attention on children and the elderly.
Dengue, Zika and Chikungunya
These three are the most common travel illnesses in tropical countries. Both dengue, Zika and Chikungunya are transmitted through the bite of mosquitoes of the Aedes Aegypti family. This is also the cause of yellow fever. In addition to that, Zika can also be contracted through sexual transmission. These diseases can be serious and even fatal.
Among the symptoms of these are a rash, joint pain and fever that can vary in each one. In dengue it is usually very high and body aches are very acute, which is why it is known in some South American countries as “bone busting fever”. This especially affects the immune system and can cause serious internal bleeding.
On the other hand, Zika could go quite unnoticed because many of those infected have no symptoms. Despite this, its virus is very serious in the case of pregnant women. Cases have been reported that associate Zika with problems in foetal development, such as microcephaly.
They are found in Central and South America, as well as in Africa, and Central and Southeast Asia. There are no vaccines for any of these diseases when traveling. The main preventive measure is the use of mosquito repellent, applying it frequently.
Animal bite
Animal bites and stings can cause illness when traveling as they cause injuries that can be complicated. This type of accident can be the cause of rabies infection and other animal diseases that are transmitted to humans. For this reason, the recommendation is to be very careful when bathing in rivers or even in the sea. Also, caution should be exercised when visiting forested areas.
Rabies
As a result of the above, affected people can become infected with rabies. This is a viral disease that is transmitted by direct contact through the bite, scratch or secretions of dogs, cats, monkeys or bats that transmit the disease.
Rabies is an infectious disease of the brain and affects the central nervous system. It even can result in death. Its initial symptoms are fever, pain, and tingling in the wound area.
Vaccine against rabies infection. This should be administered in three doses. One before being exposed to the infectious agent, in this case, would be before traveling. And, the other two after being infected. It lasts approximately two years. It is recommended that one month before taking a trip, the vaccine be given.
Hanta virus infections
These are caused by viruses transmitted by mosquitoes, ticks, rodents, and bats. Some of these haemorrhagic fevers are caused by the Ebola and Marburg viruses. They are acquired by contact with tissues of diseased primates and other mammals. These cause symptoms such as fever, rashes, muscle aches. In more severe cases it can cause shock and bleeding.
Malaria
This is one of the traveling diseases caused by different species of a parasite called Plasmodium. It is transmitted by the Anopheles mosquito. Although in many countries of the world malaria was eradicated. It is prevalent in many tropical and subtropical countries.
Thousands of travellers infected with malaria are detected each year. The worst thing is that it can be fatal. At dusk and dawn there is an increased risk of contracting the disease. Its symptoms are fever, chills, headache and
Body as well as muscle fatigue. Nausea and vomiting also occur in some cases.
As a traveller, the main preventive measure, as with other mosquito bites, is the use of repellents. Also, try not to sleep or stay out of the houses for a long time during the night. Likewise, if your trip is to countries or places where the transmission is active, you can go to receive preventive treatment before traveling.
Leishmaniosis
Insects from the sand-fly group are the cause of disease that can occur in various ways. There is cutaneous leishmaniosis that causes skin ulcers, as well as sores on the mucous membranes. And also visceral leishmaniosis that affects the liver, spleen and bone marrow.
The latter in some cases may be asymptomatic. In others, symptoms can appear up to eight months after the mosquito bite. These can be fever, inflammation of the spleen or liver, and weight loss. Again, the best strategy to avoid bites is to use repellents. Wearing long garments is also recommended.
What medications to take when traveling?
In addition to knowing the diseases when traveling and taking the aforementioned precautions, it is advisable to carry a travel kit. Here you will include some medications and implements that can be very helpful while you go to the doctor. You do not need to take a pharmacy with you when traveling, but it will help you cope with some of these illnesses.
- Analgesics and antipyretics: for mild or moderate pain, colds and fevers.
- Antidiarrheals: that act as inhibitors of intestinal discomfort. Solutions can also be included to prevent dehydration in diarrhoea. Also, laxatives and suppositories in case of constipation.
- Antihistamines: to be used in case of bites, stings and allergies.
- Insect repellents: for the prevention of stings.
- Antacids: to treat heartburn
- Anti-inflammatory ointments: for sprains and bumps.
- Cure material: gauze, bandages, adhesive, iodine tincture. Also accessories like tweezers, scissors and thermometer.
The best way to avoid catching some of the most common travel illnesses is prevention. Before going on a trip, consult your doctor or visit a health centre to get up to date with the vaccinations you will require. Prevention and care will be your best allies, to make your trip as pleasant as you wish.
ALFA