Backpacking Tips 2
Travel Health

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Backpacking Tips 2

In this article, you`ll find:

So, you say travel health, huh? How can I prepare myself?
What if I get sick or injured during my trip?
After you`ve returned home:
Links to other Health Articles
Backpacking Tips 2: Culture Shock
Homesickness
Jet Lag

Travel health is important. Everyone knows that.

So this article guides you through various tips on how to take care of yourself.

But have in mind that these tips will not guarantee your health safety in Asia. Nothing can be sure when it comes to health issues in general.

So, what`s the point with this article?

If you get sick in Asia, it will cost you time, money and fun.

It`s obvious that no traveler wants this. I got sick three times when I went backpacking. And the majority of the travelers I talked to had caught diarrhoea at least once...

How can I prepare myself?

Take the required vaccinations
Bring your first-aid kit with you
You should have a travel health insurance that covers cases of sickness and accidents your entire trip.
If possible, remember to save every receipt after you`ve paid for hospital visits, medicines, transportation etc. And make sure you get a medical certificate from the doctor. This way, you can document the sickness/injury and report it to your insurance company.
You should try to find out which blood type/group you have in case of accidents. The blood types can be divided into: A, B, AB and 0.
Example: If you have blood type 0, you have to recieve blood type 0.
If you`re going to wear eyeglasses, you should visit your optician to get a prescription. This is practical if you (or other people) break your glasses, or if you lose them.
If you`re going to trek a lot, or do other activities that pump up your adrenaline, make sure you have the health to do it.. If you have a heart disease or alike, you should consult with your doctor before heading for the mountains!
Before departure, read about the different diseases that exist in Asia. I believe that World Health Organization`s website is a reliable source, when it comes to outbreaks and diseases. If you`re interested in getting the lastest updates, you can visit their homepage:

Travel Health For Thailand...
For Laos
For Cambodia
For India

What if I get sick or injured during my trip?

Go to a doctor
The best and obvious thing to do for your travel health is to relax.
You shouldn`t worry about time pressure, even if you have a itinerary to follow. Or even if you get restless, allow yourself to get well..
If you get sick or injured, ask the doctor how long it takes before you can do activities and be a backpacker again. By asking, you`ll save time and money.
Example: Let`s say you`re going to travel for 3 months. If you get injured (broken leg and stuff like that) on your 2nd month, and your doctor says it will take at least a month to heal, what do you do?
Well, I suggest you consider the option of returning home...
Why?
In my opinion, it`s not cool to jump around on one leg on your last month.. This also means that you can`t join any adventure activities, like trekking, climbing, snorkelling, diving etc... See my point?
I think it`s way better that you cover your loss through your insurance company..
But hey, you can disagree with me if you want. I`m just saying how I experienced it.
I got involved in a moped accident in Pai, Thailand and had to stitch up my foot!!!
I wasn`t allowed to shower or swim cause the wound had to be dry all the time. And I had to walk with a limp for around 3-4 weeks..
During this time -- no trekking, no swimming, no elephant riding etc.
It s***** big time!
Fortunately, this accident happened in the beginning of my backpacking trip, so I still had 2,5 months of fun.

After you`ve returned home:

You should see your doctor and take a health-check because many diseases have symptoms can appear later...even up to a year.. And you should definitely do this if you`re not feeling well!
If it`s relevant for you, visit your gynaecologist as well.