How To Reduce The Risk Of Infection During Safari Travel
How To Reduce The Risk Of Infection During Safari Travel : Will you get sick while on African safari? While traveling to Africa is a fantastic idea, tourists must take safety precautions. The year 2023 has demonstrated that illness or infection pose the greatest risk to human health.
The likelihood of getting sick while on an African safari is actually very low, and the majority of diseases are easily preventable with the right precautions. In fact, you might be surprised to learn that there are no mandatory vaccinations for travel to East Africa (Tanzania, Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda and D.R.C) unless you are coming from a yellow fever zone. Health considerations and vaccinations for travel to East Africa are comparable to those for trips to South America or East Asia. Additionally, should the need arise, Southern Africa has some of the best medical facilities anywhere in the world that are also conveniently located.
Surprisingly, common colds acquired on airplanes and excessive sun exposure are the two health issues travelers’ encounter most frequently while on safari. Although there may not be much you can do to prevent getting a cold, sun exposure can be reduced. While on safari, a good sun hat and high-SPF sunscreen are a must. Lip balm with sunscreen and a good pair of sunglasses with a durable case are additional safari necessities.
To prevent dehydration, make sure to regularly consume large amounts of water. You may also want to think about taking sodium tablets to restore your body’s salt levels. It is advised to stick with bottled or boiled water and to stay away from tap water, water fountains, and ice cubes in nations where the safety of drinking water isn’t adequately regulated. Inquire with your travel agency about the quality of the water you can drink there. Travelers can take a number of preventative measures to stay safe from viruses and lower their risk of infection. Here are some tips for avoiding risks while traveling:
Visit your doctor.
You should visit your doctor and get tested for the coronavirus and allergies before you leave on your trip. If you test positive for COVID, stay home. It’s crucial to obtain prescriptions for any medication you might need in order to bring them on the flight and purchase more if necessary. Keeping medicine on hand is a good idea in case East Africa does not have access to it. You can prevent getting sick while traveling by having your allergies tested. Purchasing health insurance in the host nation is also advisable.
Be careful what you eat.
You should check the ingredients in your food before you eat it. This is crucial to preventing accidental ingestion of foods or beverages to which you are allergic. You must also make sure that your food was prepared in a clean environment. Since heat tends to kill germs, food that is served warm is more likely to be hygienic and secure.
Wear masks and gloves.
You must take the necessary precautions in order to lessen the chance of coronavirus transmission. The risk is significantly decreased if you wear a mask because you are exposed to fewer harmful particles. It’s also crucial to avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth after touching a potentially contaminated surface. Wearing gloves is advised to avoid this.
Maintain a safe distance.
A crucial piece of advice for preventing the coronavirus is to keep a safe distance from other people. You ought to stay away from crowded areas and go to more isolated places. Visit the expansive Serengeti, the stunning Pemba Island, or the Jozani Forest in Tanzania. Avoid booking reservations at hotels and lodges. Make sure everyone is adhering to social distance rules in public spaces, and keep at least 2 meters between you and other people. By doing this, the risk of virus transmission may be diminished.
Keep your hands clean.
Avoid touching any potentially contaminated surfaces. If you do, wash or sanitize your hands after. Frequently washing your hands for at least 20 seconds can help lower your risk of contracting an infection. If there isn’t clean water available, you can sanitize with something that contains more than 60% alcohol. When traveling, it is advisable to carry a small bottle of hand sanitizer.
Airplane Protocols
In order to lower the risk of disease transmission, many airlines routinely disinfect their aircraft and use air filters. Choose a window seat; they are safer because they are farther from other passengers. Limit your movement and avoid using the restrooms on airplanes, which could expose you to contaminated surfaces. Try to avoid using items like blankets that are not sealed because they might not have been properly disinfected.
HEALTHCARE AFTER YOUR RETURN HOME
Please call your doctor as soon as you can and let them know you’ve been traveling if you experience a fever, bowel issues, or other physical discomforts after arriving home (up to several months after your flight back). You might require a Mantoux or TB test if you’ve spent a lot of time in the community.
