Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
According to the
Centers for Disease Control & Prevention
(
www.cdc.gov
)
, the fol-
lowing vaccinations are recommended for Botswana and Namibia: hepatitis A, hepatitis
B, rabies and typhoid, and boosters for tetanus, diphtheria and measles. Yellow fever is
not a risk in the region, but the certificate is an entry requirement if you're travelling from
an infected region.
Medical Checklist
It's a very good idea to carry a medical and first-aid kit with you, to help yourself in the
case of minor illness or injury. Following is a list of items to consider packing.
» antibiotics (prescription only), eg ciprofloxacin (Ciproxin) or norfloxacin (Utinor)
» antidiarrhoeal drugs (eg loperamide)
» acetaminophen (paracetamol) or aspirin
» anti-inflammatory drugs (eg ibuprofen)
» antihistamines (for hay fever and allergic reactions)
» antibacterial ointment (eg Bactroban) for cuts and abrasions (prescription only)
» antimalaria pills, if you'll be in malarial areas
» bandages, gauze
» scissors, safety pins, tweezers, pocket knife
» DEET-containing insect repellent
» permethrin-containing insect spray for clothing, tents and bed nets
» prickly-heat powder for heat rashes
» sunblock
» oral rehydration salts
» iodine tablets (for water purification)
» sterile needles, syringes and fluids if travelling to remote areas
Websites
There is a wealth of travel health advice on the internet. The Lonely Planet website at
www.lonelyplanet.com
is a good place to start. The World Health Organization publishes
