Health and travel: traveling safely

No single method can provide complete protection. Therefore, it is essential to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes carrying the disease and to regularly take preventative medication. The choice of medication requires a medical consultation and prescription, and depends on several factors such as the risk of transmission, the length of stay, the type of activity, the living conditions, and the time of year. The prescription must also take into account the traveler's age and weight, medical history, potential interactions with other medications, and the duration of the trip. Depending on the prescribed medication, this preventative treatment should begin before departure or on the day of arrival, continue throughout the stay, and for 1 to 4 weeks after returning.

More and more people are looking to replace medication with "natural" solutions. Recently, the use of plants has been increasing. Anniversary Artemisia In the form of herbal teas or capsules, it has generated a lot of discussion, with its popularity steadily increasing among travelers. Herbal teas and capsules ofAnniversary Artemisia They have not been shown to be effective in any way. Lacking marketing authorization, their use has even been prohibited by the WHO since 2012. Cases of malaria have been observed in travelers who used this plant. To best protect yourself against malaria, discuss it with a specialist doctor.

To keep mosquitoes away

Wear light-colored, long-sleeved clothing (dark clothing attracts mosquitoes) and apply insect repellent to any exposed skin (including your ankles, even if you're wearing socks). If you have children, make sure the repellent products are suitable for their age.

At the hotel, turn on the fan or air conditioner. Mosquitoes dislike both wind and cool air, and/or sleep under insecticide-treated mosquito nets.

Accidents (traffic or otherwise) are a leading cause of medical repatriation and death. Whenever possible, preventative measures should be followed: wear seat belts, helmets, and child car seats. If you are prone to motion sickness and are traveling by boat, car, or plane, remember to bring appropriate medication.

On the plane, if you have risk factors for venous thrombosis, it is advisable to stay hydrated, move around and move your legs regularly, wear elastic compression stockings and, in case of high risk, get a prescription for low molecular weight heparin.

Some major cities experience high levels of air pollution that can impact health. Children and the elderly are particularly vulnerable, as are those with asthma, chronic bronchitis (COPD), or cardiovascular disease; fetuses are also at risk. It is advisable to check air pollution levels according to the season and location and to be attentive to any unusual symptoms (cough, shortness of breath, wheezing, palpitations). Wearing surgical masks, which are generally available in pharmacies, is not truly effective. Only the masks recommended on the website of the Ministry of Health can be used effectively during periods of high pollution: filtering masks such as N95 or FFP2.

It is through contact with contaminated water, food, or dirty hands that one can become infected by a virus or bacteria that will cause an diarrheaOne in two travelers who travel three weeks or more in tropical areas contracts the touristMost often, diarrhea is acute but short and mild. Sometimes it can be much more serious. The following hygiene measures are valid in all circumstances, whether you buy your food from a street vendor or eat in a "good" hotel:

• Wash your hands before eating or use hand sanitizer;
• make sure that the food has been cooked thoroughly and is still hot when it is served to you;
• avoid raw foods, unless they are fruits and vegetables that can be peeled or shelled;
• avoid ice cream and ice cubes;
• drink only bottled water with a properly sealed cap, otherwise disinfect it using a disinfectant agent designed for this purpose or filter it;
• Drinks such as hot tea or coffee, wine, beer, soft drinks and bottled fruit juices are generally not dangerous.

As soon as diarrhea starts, drink more fluids and increase your salt intake by regularly salting your food. However, if the diarrhea lasts more than three days, consult a doctor immediately. In cases of dehydration, especially in young children, oral rehydration salts should be administered promptly, and medical advice should be sought.