Smarten up for your summer holidays – healthwise, that is

Shanaaz de Jager

SUMMER not only means having fun – holidaymakers should also be smart when it comes to protecting themselves and their loved ones‘ health. The Travel Doctor‘s medical director Dr Albie de Frey warns holidaymakers to the Eastern and Southern Cape to take all the usual “food and water precautions when travelling to rural areas”.

Hepatitis A is a common disease contracted by travellers. “The virus, which attacks the liver, can be prevented by a vaccine. It is transmitted from person to person, particularly by those whose hands have been soiled after using the toilet or changing a nappy, and by swallowing water or food that has been contaminated by human faeces.

“Even travellers staying in good hotel accommodation have contracted hepatitis A, yet it is a disease that is so easily prevented. It is not only contracted by travellers as frequent outbreaks occur in kindergarten and school groups, amongst others.”

Rabies is another deadly viral illness caused by a bite or scratch from an infected animal or person.

“Rabies has caused deaths in humans in the recent past in the Eastern Cape and elsewhere in South Africa.

”As with malaria the most important measure is avoiding all animal bites and scratches, including from bats,” said De Frey.

If you are unlucky enough to be bitten or scratched, wash the wound under running water but avoid scrubbing as you might scrub the virus into the tissue. Apply an iodine- containing dressing as iodine may kill the virus.

You must then be vaccinated with a reliable vaccine within 24 to 48 hours and complete a course of vaccines which depends on the severity of the bites.

“Once a person shows signs of the illness, which can occur two weeks to 18 months after the bite depending on the proximity to the victim‘s brain – death is inevitable,” said De Frey.

He said the need for vaccinations was more important if “potential exposure is in rural areas and if adequate post-exposure care is not readily available.

“Rabies vaccine is expensive and pre-exposure vaccination involves a series of injections over a month.”

Even then post- exposure treatment is vital.

Visitors to coastal towns in the Eastern and Southern Cape were also warned they should beware of bluebottles and great white sharks.

“The most common deaths for people under the age of 40 are car accidents and diving into water without knowing how deep it is and ending up with a broken neck.”

For people over 40 there‘s a potential risk of cardio- vascular disease. “There‘s no point in sitting on the couch everyday and when you‘re on holiday. You want to go running.”

De Frey also warned that during hot days there was a risk of being exposed to excessive heat. “Use a good sunscreen, SPF 15 and drink plenty of water.

“Parents should also make sure they look after their children. Skin cancer may not occur now if they‘ve been exposed to sunburn but could happen in 15 to 20 years time.”

Another disease which threatens travellers and homebodies alike is tetanus, a neurological disease which is often fatal. There are an estimated one million cases of tetanus reported each year, with the highest proportion occurring in Africa and Asia. De Frey recommends everybody stays up- to-date with their tetanus immunisation, which provides cover for at least 10 years.

He said another threat to travellers both in South Africa and Africa was malaria. The disease occurs in South Africa‘s low-altitude areas such as Limpopo, Mpumalanga and North Eastern KwaZulu Natal, and in tropical Africa.

“A single bite from a malaria-infected mosquito can lead to malaria. These Anophele mosquitoes usually hunt between dusk and dawn, so avoiding mosquito bites particularly during these times is a traveller‘s first line of defence. Covering up with long-sleeved shirts, trousers, socks and shoes, applying insect repellent regularly to exposed skin and sleeping in air-conditioned accommodation or under an insecticide impregnated mosquito net will reduce the chances of getting bitten.

“Travellers noticing any flu-like illness after seven days and up to six months after leaving a malaria-risk region must seek immediate medical attention to obtain a clinical diagnosis.”

De Frey said when planning a holiday or business trip, prevention and preparation should be the cornerstone to any itinerary.

“It is also always good to take proper first aid kits, particularly when travelling to remote areas or with children, and travel insurance is essential. “

Another good tip is to have at least one cellphone activated on “roaming” in cases of emergency. “And finally, it is important to remember that drinking contaminated water is one of the biggest causes of illness for travellers.”

Life