Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Health
Stomach and digestive
problems are by far the
most common health
problems faced by visitors
to Central Asia. A diet of
mutton, bread and
plov
seems to induce diarrhoea
and constipation in equal
measure!
Since independence,
health rates across the
region have dropped and
many diseases formerly
eradicated or controlled in
the time of the USSR, such
as tuberculosis (TB) and
diphtheria, have returned.
Exposure to malaria, ra-
bies and encephalitis is rare
and depends largely upon
the location and/or months
of travel. More common
during the searing summer
months is heat exhaustion,
so make sure you keep cool
and hydrated in the 35°C
heat. Most short-term trav-
els to the main tourist areas
remain problem-free.
Insurance
Even if you are fit and
healthy, don't travel without
health insurance - acci-
dents do happen. Declare
any existing medical condi-
tions you have - the insur-
ance company
will
check if
your problem is pre-existing
and will not cover you if
it is undeclared. You may
require extra cover for ad-
venture activities such as
rock climbing. If you're un-
insured, emergency evacu-
ation is expensive - bills of
over US$100,000 are not
uncommon.
Make sure you keep all
documentation related to
any medical expenses you
incur.
BEFORE YOU GO
If you take any regular
medication, bring double
your needs in case of loss
or theft. In most Central
Asian countries you can buy
many medications over the
counter without a doctor's
prescription, but it can be
difficult to find some of the
newer drugs.
Make sure you get your
teeth checked before you
travel - there are few good
dentists in Central Asia
as evidenced by the many
golden-toothed smiles you'll
see. If you wear glasses
take a spare pair and your
prescription.
INTERNET RESOURCES
There is a wealth of travel-health advice on the internet. It's also a good idea to consult
your government's travel-health website before departure, if one is available.
Australia
(www.dfat.gov.au/travel)
Canada
(www.travelhealth.gc.ca)
New Zealand
(www.mfat.govt.nz/travel)
UK
(www.doh.gov.uk/traveladvice)
USA
(www.cdc.gov/travel)
Lonely Planet
(www.lonelyplanet.com) Good basic health information.
World Health Organization
(WHO; www.who.int/country) A superb book called
International Travel and Health
is revised annually and is available online.
MD Travel Health
(www.mdtravelhealth.com)
Provides complete travel-health
recommendations for every country and is updated daily.
