What are the health considerations when traveling in a tropical country?
First of all, don't leave home without travel and medical insurance, make sure it covers you for riding a motorcycle.. and includes repatriation to your home country.
The border region between North Thailand and Burma is regarded as a risk area for Malaria, we suggest you take advice from your family Doctor before travel.
Its hot and very humid in Thailand, However in the early morning Temperatures can be quite low, in the mountains, e.g. a few degrees but by mid-day they can rise to mid 30 degrees C
A good level of fitness is required to cope with the heat and exertions.
occasionally stomach upsets can occur, we are aware of the problems arising for guests trying a new diet and do our best to guard against potential problems, all meals are included, our guides are on hand to sort things out.
Tour leader and Thai guide have first aid training.
The backup vehicle carries a first aid kit. The tour leader also carriers a first aid kit and has first aid training.
The best form of cure is prevention. Which means using a 40% + deet (N-Diethyl-M-Toluamide) content insect repellent. Use especially around vulnerable areas like exposed feet, ankles, legs, elbow and neck areas. It is probably better not to wash before eating breakfast (but to apply repellent). Mosquitos seem to like clean skin! and are most active in early morning and early evening.
Wearing long trousers and socks definitely helps.
Taking Malarone 1 hour before you head out on a jungle trail is not a good idea, all the exertion in the heat and humidity + a powerful new drug in your system can cause problems.
A First Aid kit can come in very useful, especially the anti septic wipes.
The use of a camel back water carrier is a good idea to ensure you don't get de-hydrated. Don't drink the water ! Bottled water is supplied and always available in the support vehicle.
Thailand has cases of rabies, just be aware of this when driving through villages, we find most dogs just ignore us and sleep in the shade Every dog we meet will be crawling with fleas, its best to give dogs a wide berth.
Mosquitoes like still air, so make use of the fan in your room, even if you are using the air conditioning.
Mosquitoes seem to be attracted to dark colours, especially blue, so its best to wear light browns and greens.
Mosquitoes like to hover under tables in the evening protect your ankles.
Thailand hospitals are of a high standard and have an English speaking doctor, we are usually only a couple of hours at most from a major hospital we can use local clinics and rural hospitals to sort out problems.
