Health: Pre-Trip Information

Stay Informed

The importance of the topic and the sometimes rapid evolution of situations in certain areas make it clear that it's best to consult recognized professionals. Beyond vaccinations or malaria prevention, travel health also includes the countless minor ailments (altitude sickness, traveler's diarrhea, etc.) and situations (storms, sun, cold, etc.) that any traveler may occasionally face.

Websites to Consult

• Medical Glossary: to understand what you're dealing with.

• Astrium: a site truly specialized in travel health.

• Doctissimo: the best-known general public health site. It contains a lot of travel-related information.

• Ministry of Foreign Affairs: provides detailed information on health risks by country. This site is the legal reference in France.

• World Health Organization: the WHO site and its global recommendations.

Causes of Death While Traveling

What are the causes of mortality on vacation? Overall, deaths during vacations represent less than 1% of the annual deaths in France; the causes are as much accidental as non-accidental.

In terms of accidents, logically, transportation and drowning lead the way. Risks related to mountains are also significant.

Regarding health, cardiovascular causes account for over 30% of deaths in this category. Similarly, around fifteen deaths due to malaria are recorded in France each year out of several hundred reported cases. For the rest, the health-related causes of death are varied and, in one out of five cases, not clearly identified!

While all age groups are represented, children are the most affected.

In short, even if you're just as likely to die from an accident while on vacation, health risks are very real. It would be a mistake to overlook them...

Basic Hygiene and Health Precautions

Food, sanitation, behavior: these are the three areas that, if you don't follow some common-sense rules, can quickly lead to health problems. Specifically, low hygiene levels, high human concentration, and water supply difficulties often mean a location may present health risks. It's good to be aware of this...

Food Rules

Of all, food-related issues are generally the most common while traveling. Some basic rules:

-# Always wash your hands before meals.

-# Assess the place where you're going to consume/buy a product. That is, the impression given in terms of hygiene, product quality, etc. The more negative the impression, the more careful you should be. However, some upscale or touristy places aren’t necessarily less risky than more "local" establishments.

-# If in doubt, wipe your cutlery, glass, and plate with a clean tissue. It’s not just what you put on your plate or in your glass that can be contaminated...

-# Only drink bottled water with an intact seal or water that has been disinfected beforehand. As a result, it’s best to avoid ice cubes as well.

-# Always boil unpasteurized milk and, if necessary, add a purifier as you would for water. Indirectly, be cautious with local cheeses and yogurts.

-# Avoid ice cream and, in general, any product that doesn’t seem to respect the cold chain.

-# Peel fruits and vegetables. Similarly, be careful with raw salads.

-# Always opt for well-cooked meats and fish. On the scale of possible trouble sources, lamb is the safest, while pork is the riskiest.

-# In general, be cautious with seafood and shellfish.

-# Rice and Coca-Cola remain (for now) the universal menu worldwide when you have some intestinal issues.

-# It’s recommended to drink plenty to avoid dehydration risks, as well as to eat a bit salty. For drinks, plan at least 2 liters of water per person per day, plus an additional liter for every 10°C above 20°C (3 liters at 30°C, 4 liters at 40°C). If there’s intense physical activity, these amounts can be doubled.

-# Also consider your eating habits. The healthier you eat and drink at home, the harder it will generally be for your body to accept less healthy options while traveling. It’s better to ease into it...

-# Lastly, there’s no need to worry about everything, nor to take intestinal antiseptics preventively upon arrival; these only weaken your gut flora.

Sanitation Rules

-# First rule: wash your hands as often as possible. Dirty hands are a major contamination factor.

-# For your feet, wash them regularly and, above all, let them breathe to reduce the risk of infections and fungal infections.

-# In tropical areas, avoid washing or bathing in stagnant freshwater due to the risk of bilharzia.

-# If necessary, brush your teeth with bottled or purified water. Even slightly contaminated water in contact with a cut inside your mouth can cause problems.

-# For toilets, always carry your own toilet paper, and in budget hotels with shared toilets, avoid going barefoot.

-# In mosquito and other insect-prone areas, avoid perfumes and deodorants that attract bugs.

Behavioral Rules

-# Protect yourself from mosquitoes and other disease-carrying insects, many of which bite at dusk. Plan to wear long sleeves and generally closed clothing at that time of day. Use repellents and, for the night, consider a sealed and preferably impregnated mosquito net (or air conditioning).

-# Regarding small creatures that can bite or sting, avoid walking barefoot or sleeping directly on the ground. Always shake out your clothes, shoes, and sleeping bag before use.

-# In hot areas/seasons, avoid synthetic clothing, which doesn’t allow sweat to evaporate, promoting fungal growth. Also, protect yourself from the sun and remember to stay hydrated.

-# At the beach, always bring a towel to lie on to avoid parasites. Also, avoid walking barefoot if the place doesn’t seem very clean.

-# For HIV and other STIs, remember to bring your own supply of condoms.

-# Indirectly, a poor travel rhythm (especially for long trips) or engaging in activities beyond your level can lead to fatigue or stress, which over time can affect your health.

-# Consider a short restorative nap. The rhythm, climate, and unfamiliar environment mean many people get more tired than usual while traveling. So, if you have the chance, a regular nap of a few minutes to an hour or two will do you a world of good.

-# If you have health issues while traveling, first take the time to rest, and if necessary, consult a doctor. Generally, it may also be wise to have travel insurance for your trip.

-# Finally, be responsible with the medications you take. Use only what you truly need, prescribed or recommended by a professional based on your planned journey. This is especially true for malaria treatment, where many people sometimes take anything and everything...

Toiletries and First-Aid Kit

• See the article in the "Traveler's Equipment" guide

Two essentials for a smooth trip...