PROTECTING YOURSELF

"Food-wise and Water-smart"

  • Do these things:
    • Tie a ribbon around the water faucet handle so you’ll remember not to us tap
      • water
    • Keep safe, bottled water by the sink to use for drinking and teeth brushing.
    • Always clean your hands before you eat, but use prepackaged hand wipes or antiseptic gel to clean your hands, not just tap water.
    • Take along prescribed anti-diarrhea medication.
     
  • Don’t do these things:
    • Don’t drink tap water. Don’t even use it for brushing your teeth.
    • Don’t use ice unless you know it was made from boiled or filtered water.
    • Don’t eat raw vegetables or salads.
    • Don’t eat unpasteurized dairy products.
    • Don’t eat any fruits unless you peel them yourself.
    • Don’t buy food and drinks from street vendors.
    • Don’t go swimming in streams and lakes because of the risk of water pollution.
     

Insects

  • Use an insect repellant containing DEET in a concentration of 20-30%. Apply as directed.
  • Wear clothes that cover most of the body, light color clothing won’t attract mosquito’s as much as darker clothing.
  • Avoid outdoor activities at night Sleep in a well screened in area.

Sun Protection

  • SUNSCREEN with SPF15 or greater.
  • Wear clothing that covers arms and legs
  • Wear a hat that has a brim that protects your face.
  • UV sunglasses
  • Drink plenty of fluids.

Travelers Medical Kit

  • Prescription medications (in original containers), all current prescriptions you are taking plus any anti-malarial medication prescribed for the trip.
  • Analgesics (aspirin, acetaminophen/Tylenol, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory/Motrin).
  • Throat lozenges
  • Decongestant
  • Antihistamine (such as Benadryl)
  • Cough suppressant/expectorant
  • Imodium
  • Antibacterial wipes/towelettes
  • Pepto-Bismol (or a generic)
  • Sunscreen
  • Calamine Lotion
  • Antifungal cream
  • Insect repellent
  • Water purification tablets
  • Tweezers, scissors, safety pins (remember to put scissors in your checked baggage)
  • Antacid
  • Digital thermometer
  • First Aid supplies: bandages, adhesives, antibiotic ointment, moleskin for blister, lip balm, aloe vera gel (for burns), wound closure strips, emollient eye drops, sterile dressings, antiseptic wound cleaner