MEDICINES TO BRING WHEN TRAVELING TO AFRICA

This article is the second in a series about the medicines to bring when traveling. Here I will focus on the medicines to bring when traveling to Africa. When I say Africa, I mean mainly the mid and South Africa. Notably, The primitive lands, jungles, and great sub-Saharan. Although the environment in that broad area varies, they have common factors. Such as Hot humid weather, underdeveloped infrastructure, and inadequate health services. Here is my valuable checklist of the medicines to bring when traveling to Africa and health advice before visiting Africa.

 

HEALTH ADVICE BEFORE VISITING AFRICA

 

Read about the Country you are going to visit

So, before visiting Africa, you should read about the country you are going to visit. Learning about the country before visiting it is my valuable advice to any traveler to anywhere in the world. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has an extensive guide about the expected health hazards when visiting any country in the world.

 

Vaccines

First of all, the routine vaccines, which are the recommended vaccines to everyone. But in Africa, there is an increased risk of some other diseases which requires immunization before visiting Africa. In particular to vulnerable individuals such as children, frail, and elderly. Yellow fever vaccine is one of the essential vaccines, and visiting some countries may require a certificate of prior immunization. Other vital vaccines include Cholera, Hepatitis A & B, Meningitis (Meningococcal disease), and Rabies. CDC also provides a useful source about the recommended vaccines before visiting any country in the world

 

Water supply

Sorry to say that tap water is NOT safe to drink in the whole of Africa. Almost always, you will depend on mineral water for drinking. Fortunately, it is safe to use tap water in showers, washing, and for hot drinks. Read my guide for safe water drinking during traveling.

 

Consult your Doctor

For tailored advice, consult your doctor. As he is aware of your previous health problems, it is wise to take a short visit to your doctor. Also, he can clarify any concerns or doubts before traveling.

 

MEDICINES TO BRING WHEN TRAVELING

 

Essential medicines

These are the medicines to bring when traveling anywhere. These medicines are the routine and basic checklist, which I mentioned in the previous article. It includes mainly your prescribed drugs and not to forget to bring enough amount of your tablets.

 

Malaria

Malaria is a major health problem in Africa. CDC published the yellow book about malaria and how to treat. Almost all of Africa is malaria-endemic. The most crucial part of the treatment of malaria is prevention. Prevention includes general hygiene measures, generally, avoid mosquitos and drugs. Regarding drugs, there are many drugs available for prevention such as Doxycycline, Atovaquone-Proguanil (also used for children more than 5 kg or 11 lb), Chloroquine, mefloquine, and Primaquine. The easiest and safest to use is Doxycycline. It should be noted that none of the drugs discovered so far can give 100% protection against malaria. That’s why other physicals maneuvers to avoid mosquitos are the most crucial.

 

 

 

 

Oral rehydration salts

One of the underestimated health hazards in visiting Africa is diarrhea. Traveler diarrhea is a common problem for travelers in Africa because of poor hygiene and contaminated water and food. We mentioned in the previous article that Loperamide (Imodium) is an essential drug to bring wherever you may travel, and that is true in Africa. Besides Loperamide Oral rehydration salts are useful in consuming for water loss and dehydration. I added Oral rehydration salts to the medicines to bring when traveling to Africa, because of the dehydration. Dehydration hazards can be exaggerated in Africa because of extreme heat and its rule in the treatment of diarrhea is non-negotiable.

 

Mosquito repellents

Many of the creams, sprays, lotions are widely available in the market. Mosquitos in Africa are extremely hazardous. Health problems start from skin rash, inflammation and may end with chronic diseases such as malaria or life-threatening conditions. Other than the topical products, sleeping tents are precious advice to travelers to Africa.

 

Sleeping pills

Sleeping pills should be individualized. There are no broad-spectrum sleeping pills that fit everyone. That’s why you should consult your doctor about the best sleeping pills for you. But why would you need sleeping pills in Africa? Other than to override jet lag, sleeping pills can help you relax, especially when you are on safari or hiking. Because of the heat rainy weather and mosquitos, all are factors that could be discomforting. So if you got any sleeping issues, always consult your doctor.

 

First aid kit

First aid kit should include antiseptics, clean cotton, gauze, and bandage. For many logistic problems in Africa, you will need first aid kit more than anywhere else. Because ambulance and medical service maybe not convenient. Anyway, it will not take big space in your traveling baggage, but it is essential, especially if you are planning for outdoor activity.

 

Final word, you are the one to assess the expected health hazards in Africa. However, my personal advice to any traveler is to consult his doctor about the medicines to bring when traveling to Africa. Always ask for health advice before visiting Africa. Also not to forget to get health insurance. In Africa, many activities to do and because of the environment and the weather, health hazards are variable, and you must be ready with the medicines which help you at least in the first aid.