Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Lonely Planet's
Asia & India: Healthy Travel
guide is packed with useful information. Other recommended references
include
Travellers' Health
by Dr Richard Dawood and
Travelling Well
by Dr Deborah Mills.
Online resources:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
(CDC;
www.cdc.gov
)
MD Travel Health
(
www.mdtravelhealth.com
)
World Health Organization
(
www.who.int/ith
)
In Malaysia
AIR POLLUTION
If troubled by the air pollution, leave KL for a few days to get some fresh air.
AVAILABILITY OF HEALTH CARE
There are good clinics and international-standard hospitals in Kuala Lumpur, Melaka and Penang. Over-the-counter
medicines and prescription drugs are widely available from reputable pharmacies across Malaysia.
HEAT
It can take up to two weeks to adapt to Malaysia's hot climate. Swelling of the feet and ankles is common, as are muscle
cramps caused by excessive sweating. Prevent cramps by avoiding dehydration and excessive activity in the heat.
Dehydration is the main contributor to heat exhaustion. Symptoms include feeling weak, headache, irritability, nausea
or vomiting, sweaty skin, a fast weak pulse and a normal or slightly elevated body temperature. Treat by getting out of
the heat, applying cool wet cloths to the skin, laying flat with legs raised and rehydrating with water containing a quarter
of a teaspoon of salt per litre.
Heat stroke is a serious medical emergency. Symptoms come on suddenly and include weakness, nausea, a hot dry
body with a body temperature of over 41°C, dizziness, confusion, loss of coordination, fits and eventually collapse and
loss of consciousness. Seek medical help and commence cooling by getting the person out of the heat, removing their
clothes and applying cool wet cloths or ice to their body, especially to the groin and armpits.
Prickly heat - an itchy rash of tiny lumps - is caused by sweat being trapped under the skin. Treat by moving out of
the heat and into an air- conditioned area for a few hours and by having cool showers. Creams and ointments clog the
skin so they should be avoided.
