Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
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At the main coastal tourist resorts you will generally find clinics with English- and
German-speaking staff.
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Farmacias
(pharmacies) offer advice and sell over-the-counter medication, and when a
pharmacy is closed it posts the name of the nearest
farmacia de guardia
(duty pharma-
cies) on the door.
HEALTH RISKS
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Heat exhaustion occurs following excessive fluid loss. Symptoms include headache,
dizziness and tiredness. Treat by drinking plenty of water and/or juice.
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Heat stroke is much more serious, resulting in irrational and hyperactive behaviour and
eventually loss of consciousness and death. Rapid cooling by spraying the body with wa-
ter and fanning is ideal.
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If you have a severe allergy to bee or wasp stings, carry an EpiPen or similar adrenalin
injection.
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In forested areas watch out for the hairy reddish-brown caterpillars of the pine proces-
sionary moth. Touching the caterpillars' hairs sets off a severely irritating allergic skin re-
action.
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Some Spanish centipedes have a very nasty but nonfatal sting. The ones to watch out
for are those with clearly defined segments, for instance, black and yellow stripes.
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In summer, waves of stingers (jellyfish) can wash up on the island's beaches. Vinegar,
ice and Epsom salts can soothe the pain of a sting. If unavailable, rub in salt water; fresh
water can stimulate the sting. Head to a Red Cross stand (usually present on the main
beaches) if you are stung.
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Sandflies are found on many Mallorcan beaches. They usually cause only a nasty itchy
bite but can carry occasionally a rare skin disorder called cutaneous leishmaniasis, a
raised lesion at the site of the bite which can leave atrophic scarring.
Insurance
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Comprehensive travel insurance to cover theft, loss, medical problems and cancella-
tions is highly recommended.
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Read the fine print, as some policies exclude 'high risk' activities like scuba diving and
canyoning.
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EU citizens are entitled to health care in public hospitals (present your EHIC).
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Check that the policy covers ambulances or an emergency flight home.
