HEALTH
DEEP VEIN THROMBOSIS
» (^) antiseptic, eg Betadine
» (^) antispasmodic for stom-
ach cramps, eg Buscopan
» (^) contraceptives
» (^) decongestant
» (^) DEET-based insect repellent
» (^) oral rehydration solution
for diarrhoea (eg Gastro-
lyte), diarrhoea ‘stopper’ (eg
Loperamide) and antinausea
medication
» (^) fi rst-aid items such as scis-
sors, Elastoplasts, bandages,
gauze, thermometer (but not
one with mercury), sterile
needles and syringes (with a
doctor’s letter), safety pins
and tweezers
» (^) hand gel (alcohol based) or
alcohol-based hand wipes
» (^) ibuprofen or another anti-
infl ammatory
» (^) indigestion medication, eg
Quick Eze or Mylanta
» (^) laxative, eg Coloxyl
» (^) migraine medicine – for
migraine suff ers
» (^) paracetamol
» (^) Permethrin to impregnate
clothing and mosquito nets if
at high risk
» (^) steroid cream for allergic/
itchy rashes, eg 1% to 2%
hydrocortisone
» (^) sunscreen, sunglasses
and hat
» (^) throat lozenges
» (^) thrush (vaginal yeast
infection) treatment, eg
Clotrimazole pessaries or
Difl ucan tablet
» (^) Ural or equivalent if you
are prone to urine infections
IN TRANSIT
Deep Vein
Thrombosis
Deep vein thrombosis (DVT)
occurs when blood clots
form in the legs during long
trips such as fl ights, chiefl y
because of prolonged immo-
bility. The longer the journey,
the greater the risk. Though
most blood clots are reab-
sorbed uneventfully, some
may break off and travel
through the blood vessels
to the lungs, where they can
cause life-threatening
complications.
The chief symptom of DVT
is swelling or pain of the foot,
ankle or calf, usually but not
always on one side. When a
blood clot travels to the lungs,
it may cause chest pain and
diffi culty in breathing. Travel-
lers with any of these symp-
toms should immediately
seek medical attention.
To prevent the develop-
ment of DVT on long fl ights
you should walk about the
cabin, perform isometric
compressions of the leg
muscles (ie contract the leg
muscles while sitting) and
drink plenty of fl uids (nonal-
coholic). Those at higher risk
should speak with a doc-
tor about extra preventive
measures.
Jet Lag & Motion
Sickness
Jet lag is common when
crossing more than fi ve time
zones; it results in insomnia,
fatigue, malaise or nausea.
To avoid jet lag try drinking
plenty of fl uids (nonalco-
holic) and eating light meals.
Upon arrival, seek exposure
to natural sunlight and re-
adjust your schedule. Some
people fi nd melatonin helpful
but it is not available in all
countries.
Sedating antihistamines
such as dimenhydrinate
(Dramamine) or Prochlo-
rperazine (Phenergan) are
usually the fi rst choice for
treating motion sickness.
Their main side eff ect is
drowsiness. A herbal alterna-
tive is ginger. Scopolamine
patches are considered the
most eff ective prevention.
IN THAILAND
Availability &
Cost of Health
Care
Bangkok is considered the
nearest centre of medical ex-
cellence for many countries
in Southeast Asia. Private
hospitals are more expensive
than other medical facilities
but off er a superior standard
of care and English-speaking
staff. Such facilities are listed
under Information in the city
and some other sections of
this book. The cost of health
care is relatively cheap in
FURTHER READING
» (^) International Travel & Health (www.who.int/ith)
Health guide published by the World Health Organiza-
tion (WHO).
» Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (www.
cdc.gov) Country-specific advice.
» (^) Your home country’s Department of Foreign Affairs
or the equivalent; register your trip, a helpful precau-
tion in the event of a natural disaster.
» (^) Healthy Travel – Asia & India (by Lonely Planet)
Includes pretrip planning, emergency first aid, and
immunisation and disease information.
» (^) Traveller’s Health: How to Stay Healthy Abroad (by
Dr Richard Dawood) Considered the ‘health bible’ for
international holidays.
» Travelling Well (by Dr Deborah Mills) Health guide-
book and website (www.travellingwell.com.au).
» (^) Healthy Living in Thailand (published by the Thai
Red Cross) Recommended for long-term travellers.