-
Check with US
Customs to learn what can not be brought back into the United
States so you don't return with something that poses a health or safety
risk to others.
-
Know the health risks in
your area of travel. Malaria, yellow fever, cholera, the Black
plague, typhoid fever, etc. are still prevalent in certain regions.
-
You may not be allowed
into another country if you can not demonstrate specific proof of having
had certain vaccinations.
-
The Center
for Disease Control can provide you with current information on
health risks for the region in which you will be traveling. Their
web site contains information about preventing and treating travel illness
and specific information about new disease outbreaks. The site also
contains reports for specific geographic areas, including required
immunizations and vaccines, health precautions, etc.
-
Since you'll be working
outdoors, it is good to have a complete physical, particularly if you have
had health problems in the past.
-
Request an extra amount of
prescription medicine you are taking — enough to carry a double
supply of what you would normally need. Divide this in two and
store it in separate places.
-
To avoid problems with
customs officials, your medications should be well labeled and in their
original containers. If you are taking prescription narcotics, bring
a doctor’s note (translated, if necessary) attesting to your need for
such medication.
-
If you have any particular
medical problems (allergies, diabetes, etc.) consider getting a medical
identification bracelet.
ALWAYS filter an/or treat your
water with iodine for drinking
and brushing your teeth! Powdered drink mixes such as
Gatorade™ will mask the taste
of iodine almost completely.
-
DO NOT let water into your
mouth while showering.
-
Have any dental work you
may need done before you go. The last thing you want to deal with
while overseas is a loose filling or impacted wisdom teeth.
-
Inform yourself of local
medical facilities so that you know what to do and where to go if you need
medical assistance. The region's U.S. Consular Office can recommend
English-speaking doctors, so take those numbers with you.
-
ALWAYS bring a first-aid
kit.
-
Avoid petting dogs, cats,
livestock, etc. They often carry parasites that can be transferred
by saliva or just by contact.
-
Anti-diarrhea
medicine
such as Cipro (prescription required) and malaria tablets
(if necessary) are highly recommended by health care professionals. Even if you don't have diarrhea,
ALWAYS carry a pocket-pack of Kleenex. It makes great emergency
toilet paper. Note that toilet tissue is not always available and if
it is, you may have to pay an attendant for it.
-
Stick to the rule: "Boil
it, cook it, peel it or forget it." in spite of your strong
desire to try all the local delicacies. Remember, you're there to
work. You have a responsibility to the project. Drink bottled
water or carbonated beverages (without ice), avoid raw seafood, eggs, meat
and un-peeled vegetables, and only eat dairy products that have been
pasteurized and refrigerated.
-
If you have food allergies
or dietary restrictions, learn how to communicate such information in the local
language before you go. Consider carrying a waterproof sheet of these allergies on
your person. Your doctor may advise you to carry an
Epi-pen or
Benadryl
should you have an allergic reaction to a foreign food.
Overview
