The Road Junky Travel Handbook by Road Junky Guides

Author:Road Junky Guides
Language: eng
Format: mobi
Publisher: Road Junky
Published: 2008-01-15T06:00:00+00:00

TRAVEL HEALTH

A-Z TRAVEL HEALTH GUIDE

Antibiotics

These drugs have saved millions of lives but should only be used when there's no other alternative. Allied with the pharmaceutical mafia of the world, doctors push them on people like candy—the result is that they lose their potency as bacteria evolve and also fuck up your immune system. Let your body heal itself when possible but run to the doc when the going gets rough.

Bilharzia

This sneaky worm lives in lakes and rivers in tropical climates. It enters through broken skin or by drinking infected water. It then ends up in your liver and plays hell with your bladder too. Get to a doctor and take their drugs.

Bleeding

Losing blood is a critical threat and must be stopped. If it's only superficial then cold water and raising the limb is enough. If the bleeding is deep though after a serious accident you must put pressure on the wound, piling cloth on top of it and holding it there until the body closes the wound itself. Get emergency help.

Blisters

Caused by ill-fitting boots or unusual tasks. If too much to bear you can wash the area and pierce the blister with a sterile needle, pressing out the fluid and then dressing it afterwards.

Burns

Put under running cold water for as long as possible. Don’t apply anything soothing until the whole area has cooled down i.e. bringing the burn out of the water doesn't increase the pain. Later tea bags, cider vinegar or aloe vera can be applied.

Dengue

Also known a breakbone fever, this is a nasty one for which there's no treatment. It's caught from mosquitoes, usually black and yellow ones that are more active in the day. Most common in South and Central America, Africa and Asia, getting dengue two or three times can lead to internal haemorrhage and death.

Dehydration

This can occur after diarrhoea, exertion or just lack of water. Drinking lots of water is one of the best things you can do for your health anyway but it's especially important to drink a couple of litres a day in warm climates. Beer doesn't count. And make sure to get enough salt.

Dysentery

Amoebas are the bane of travel in the tropics. It's caught from contaminated food and you know you're in trouble when you find blood and mucus in your shit. You get high temperatures also and it's important not to dehydrate. Rest and get some herbal medicine/antibiotics.

Ears

Earache is often due to the build up of wax. A doctor can remove excessive ear wax in two minutes. Otherwise a few drops of warm oil will help soften the wax and then cover the ear. If an insect gets into the ear it should be removed by flooding with warm water.

Eyes

If something gets in your eye it will normally work its way out if you manipulate the eyelid. Conjunctivitis can result with a build-up of pus. Basically the eye just needs to be cleaned with a wet tea bag. DO NOT apply antiseptics.

Fever

This is a natural response of the body to fight a virus or disease.

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