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A vacation in Grenada should be spent enjoying the beaches, scuba dive sites, waterfalls, and museums. To prevent sickness or medical problems from ruining your trip, take a few simple precautions, such as receiving vaccinations and packing important medications. Prior to traveling to Grenada, consult several sources for health information. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (http://www.cdc.gov) in the United States provides a health page for travelers to the Caribbean and other destinations throughout the world. You can read about health threats and precautions to take as you travel to the Caribbean. To cover all your bases, you may wish to make a doctor's appointment to receive official recommendations on which over-the-counter medications to bring as well as which vaccinations, if any, you may require before departure. Medicines and VaccinationsBring prescription medications in their original bottles, and bring enough to last the duration of your trip. You may also wish to pack an anti-diarrheal and antihistamine. Routine vaccinations that should be up to date include tetanus and measles. Other vaccinations can be recommended based on the duration and location of your stay on the island. Some immunizations may include Hepatitis A and B, rabies, and typhoid. Typhoid and Hepatitis A can be contracted from eating contaminated food or drinking contaminated water. Travelers should always avoid uncooked foods. Rabies shots may be recommended if you're staying in a rural area or will be exposed to local animals. Travelers should also take precautions and protect themselves from HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases while traveling. Thankfully, malaria is not considered to be a problem in Grenada. Natural HazardsMosquitoes, however, can be problematic in Grenada, and travelers should take precautions to avoid bites. Dengue fever is not uncommon, so use insect repellents containing DEET and wear long pants and sleeves in mosquito territory. Centipede bites can also result in swelling. Sun burns and sun stroke can also be an issue so close to the equator, so pack sunscreen, hats, sunglasses, and swimsuit coverups. Stay consistently hydrated, and get out of the sun if you experience dizziness. Machineel trees that have a fruit that resembles apples are extremely poisonous. Travelers should avoid all contact with both the tree and the fruit and should not stand under one in the event of rain. Marine hazards include urchins, sharks, and jellyfish. Travelers should also beware of corals. Ciguatera poisoning, an illness typically contracted from eating reef fish, cannot be cooked out of a fish. Travelers should take warning if local outbreaks are occurring. As always, never eat uncooked fish or meat, and stay away from unwashed and unpeeled fruits and vegetables. Tap water is generally considered safe to drink, though many travelers may opt for bottled water. ContactsThe following is a list of important health and medical contacts for travelers to consult prior to and during their vacation:
By taking precautions such as packing medications, receiving vaccinations, and avoiding local health hazards, travelers can greatly improve their chances of a healthy vacation in Grenada. Related Articles
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Friday July 04, 2008
