Friday, March 13, 2009

Health Tips for Travellers

More and more Hong Kong people are traveling to undeveloped
countries for leisure nowadays. But not all of them are
aware of the health dangers they face during those trips.
To save themselves from possible trouble, they should seek
health advice before taking off.

Health hazards vary from country to country. Developing
countries pose higher risks. Travellers often come down
with diarrhea while visiting countries in Asia, Africa
and Central America because of contaminated food and water.

While in those countries, visitors should maintain good
hygiene, and avoid eating vegetables, meat, and seafood
and other raw foods. They should avoid consuming ice and
water straight from taps.

They should also guard against mosquitoes, prevalent in
tropical and subtropical countries, by wearing clothes
with long sleeves and by applying insect repellents to
the exposed parts of their bodies while outdoor, and
have mosquito nets to keep insects away when sleeping.

There are vaccines and drugs for preventing certain
diseases but they should be taken at least four weeks
before the trip. If you feel unwell on your return home,
consult a doctor immediately.

Children, elderly people and pregnant women are more
vulnerable to getting sick while travelling abroad.