Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Availability & Cost of Health Care
GoodhealthcareisreadilyavailableinNorway,andforminor,self-limitingillnesses,phar-
macists can dispense valuable advice and over-the-counter medication. They can also ad-
vise when more specialised help is required. The standard of dental care is usually good;
however, it is sensible to have a dental check-up before a long trip. Remember that, like
almost everything else, medical care can be prohibitively expensive in Norway and insur-
ance is a must.
Water
Tap water is always safe to drink in Norway, but it's wise to beware of drinking from
streams, as even the clearest and most inviting water may harbour giardia and other para-
sites. For extended hikes where you must rely on natural water, the simplest way of purify-
ing water is to boil it thoroughly. Vigorous boiling should be satisfactory; however, at high
altitude water boils at a lower temperature, so germs are less likely to be killed. Boil it for
longer in these environments (up to 10 minutes).
If you cannot boil water it should be treated chemically. Chlorine tablets (Puritabs, Ster-
itabs or other brands) will kill many pathogens, but not giardia and amoebic cysts. Iodine
is more effective in purifying water and is available in tablet form (such as Potable Aqua).
Follow the directions carefully and remember that too much iodine can be harmful.
Hypothermia & Frostbite
Norway's perilously cold winters require that you take the proper precautions if travelling
at this time. Even on a hot day in the mountains, the weather can change rapidly - carry
waterproof garments and warm layers, and inform others of your route.
Hypothermia starts with shivering, loss of judgment and clumsiness. Unless rewarming
occurs, the sufferer deteriorates into apathy, confusion and coma. Prevent further heat loss
by seeking shelter, warm dry clothing, hot sweet drinks and shared body warmth. Acute
hypothermia follows a sudden drop of temperature over a short time. Chronic hypothermia
is caused by a gradual loss of temperature over hours.
Frostbite is caused by freezing and subsequent damage to bodily extremities. It is de-
pendent on wind-chill, temperature and length of exposure. Frostbite starts as frostnip
(white,numbareasofskin)fromwhichcompleterecoveryisexpectedwithrewarming.As
frostbite develops, the skin blisters and becomes black. Loss of damaged tissue eventually
occurs.Wearadequateclothing,staydry,keepwellhydratedandensureyouhaveadequate
