Health
Risk Levels for
Caribbean Travel
This
page identifies the travel health risk-levels and
steps to take in preparation for a visit to the
Caribbean. Suggestions on Health Kit items to bring with
you, doctor's advice and possible immunization measures
to take.
Health
Risk Levels
Risk
Level I
Risk
Level II - Caribbean
Risk
Level III
Preparations
Bring
a Health Kit
Consult
a Physician
Educate
Yourself
Risk
Level I
Countries
at Risk Level I enjoy advanced standards of
health. For the most part you can travel to these
countries without making more than basic preparations.
Examples
of typical Level I countries are: the United States,
northern Europe, Canada, Australia and the urban part of
Japan. Thanks to great strides in public health, many
common diseases have been eliminated in Level I Risk
countries. Maintaining a sanitary water supply is not a
problem.
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Risk
Level II
Generally
in Risk Level II countries, satisfactory health
standards prevail. Extra precautions need to be
taken, however, to guard against food and waterborne
illnesses. A traveler to Level II Risk countries may come
into contact with insects and parasites not normally
found in the United States. They may also come in contact
with diseases that they may not normally be exposed to.
Rural areas of some countries may have problems
maintaining a sanitary water supply.
Typical
Category II countries include most of the Caribbean
islands and non-tropical South America, parts of the
Mediterranean, eastern Europe and the developed parts of
Asia.
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Risk
Level III
Travel
to Level III risk countries have the highest health
risks. More common are diseases from insects and
parasites. Contamination risks from food and water are
also higher. Precautionary measures need to be more
aggressive. Generally, undeveloped and underdeveloped
countries with poor or unpredictable standards of
sanitation and hygiene are the most risk to
travelers.
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Health
Kit and other Necessities you may need to bring with you
when visiting Level II type countries.
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antacids
pain relievers
diarrhea medication
antihistamine
decongestant,
antibiotic ointment
thermometer
bandages,
cotton swabs
gauze pads
disinfectant soap
antibiotics
flea powder
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mosquito
net,
mosquito coils or tablets
insect repellent
bulb syringe
sunscreen
moleskin
safety pins
lip balm.
birth control,
sanitary items,
replacement eyeglasses
water purifying tablets motion-sickness
medicine
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Consult
A Physician
Ask
about health risk in the country you are visiting. Find
out what common diseases there are. Determine what
insects are there and what could happen if you are
bitten? Determine if you can protect yourself from insect
bites?
Oral
antimalaria medication is extremely effective. An
additional measure is to use an insect repellent since
malaria is transmitted by mosquitoes. yellow fever can be
preventeed with a vacine and there are bvacines for
hepetitisb A and B, tetanus, diptheria, and
typhoid.
The
Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and other public
agencies have guidelines and health information for
international travelers.
Educate
Yourself
Travelers
should seek medical advice 4 to 6 weeks before they
depart for their travel to allow adequate time for
immunization if needed. This process of building up
immunity takes time so it is important to allow time
before you travel. Immunize yourself to those diseases
found in that country. Your doctor should advise you
accordingly. and be aware of all the current diseases and
outbreaks for the destination you plan to
visit.
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