Health Tips to Travel to the Amazon

Staying healthy in the Amazon is easier than you think it can be, the Amazon is a healthy environment if you follow some basic tips and suggestions:

• Perhaps the most important rule is: “Peel it, boil it, cook it or forget it” , one of the main health problems amongst travellers to the Amazon is gastro-intestinal unease known more commonly as “travellers diarrhoea”.
• Drink bottled mineral or filtered water only.
• Put sunsreen on
• Use insect repelent with DET
• Carry a basic medical kit with: painkillers, tampons, contraceptives, water-purifying tablets, foot powder, rehydration salts, anti-diarrhoea treatment and antibiotics, first aid kit.
• Be sure to bring a good supply of any medicines you may be using, you may not be able to find it locally. It is a good idea to have your Doctor to give you a generic prescription, commercial names may vary from one country to another.
• Visit a travel clinic in your country for your immunizations at least six weeks before your departure date. Recommended vaccines for Amazon travellers are: yellow fever, tetanus, typhoid and hepatitis A. Some doctors will suggest you also get immunizations for: diphtheria, TB, hepatitis B, rabies and meningitis. You will not be allowed into Brazil without a Yellow fever vaccination.
• Play it safe, follow local advice and feel free to ask your guide, tour leader and other local hosts in case of doubt.
• More people die or incurred injury in cities than in the Amazon rainforest, venomous insects and snake bites are seldom and rare, there is anti-venoum and it is effective.
• It is compulsory you carry travel and medical insurance with you throughout your trip, make sure these cover emergency medical treatment as well as emergency medical evacuation. TRAVEL GUARD is a reputable supplier of insurance in North America, yet there are many other suppliers around the world for you to choose from.