Some Health Advice for Your Trip to the Virgin Islands
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Don't let your Caribbean vacation be ruined by preventable illnesses. Here are some tips to keep your group safe and healthy.
As with any travel, you should make sure your routine vaccinations are up to date, even in adults. It is a good idea to see your doctor or a travel medicine clinic or specialist 4-6 weeks before leaving for your trip, so any needed vaccinations will have their full effects. Even though childhood diseases, such as measles, are infrequent in the United States, they are still common in many parts of the world. You may still be prone to infection if not properly vaccinated. Influenza, MMR, and Tdap (Tetanus-diptheria-pertussis) are recommended for all adults. Hepatitis A causes nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and liver inflammation, and is transmitted by contaminated food and water and vaccination is recommended for travel to all parts of the Caribbean. Typhoid, similarly, causes dysentery (vomiting and diarrhea), and vaccination may be suitable for some travelers to this area.
Make sure you bring all your prescription drugs with you--be sure to visit your physician in advance so any needed refills or changes in your medication can be accommodated. It is best to carry prescription meds in their original containers. If you are prescribed any controlled substances or injectable medications, get a note from your physician authorizing same. Speaking of injectables, don't forget your EpiPen for anyone in your group with severe allergic reactions.
Consider bringing the following over-the-counter medications:
Anti-diarrheal: Pepto Bismol, loperamide (You may also ask your physician about prescription Cipro or Levaquin for bacterial traveler's diarrhea)
Laxatives and antacids
Pain relievers, like Tylenol (Acetominophen), or Ibuprofen
Cold remedies/Respiratory meds: antihistamine, decongestant, sore throat lozenges, cough meds
Skin creams: 1) Anti-bacterial 2) anti-fungal and 3) hydrocortisone 1%
Motion sickness medication: Meclizine,
Other Basic First Aid Items:
* Disposable gloves (at least two pairs)
* Adhesive bandages, multiple sizes
* Gauze
* Adhesive tape
* Elastic bandage wrap for sprains and strains
* Antiseptic
* Cotton swabs
* Tweezers
* Scissors
* Aloe gel for sunburns
* Moleskin or molefoam for blisters
* Digital thermometer
* Saline eye drops
* First-aid quick reference card
* Insect repellent
* Sunscreen (SPF 15 or greater)
* Antibacterial hand wipes
* Latex condoms
Other Diseases you should be aware of in the Caribbean can be found by clicking the link below... |
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Author Resource:-
Other diseases in the Caribbean
Good Medicine is a 46 ft Fountaine Pajot luxury sailing catamaran offering private yacht charters in the Caribbean.
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By :
Jessie Stone
Submitted
2010-10-29 22:42:03 |
Article From Article Mayhem
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