If you’re a tourist and you don’t know which part of the globe to pick for your next destination, you should definitely take Africa into consideration. There have been plenty of major scientific achievements in history that had their origins in Africa, regardless of how much we might be tempted to neglect that continent.
Around 1.2 billion people currently live in Africa, which is also the world’s second-largest continent after Asia. But if you’ve decided to go on a trip to Africa, you need to have careful consideration of health measures to ensure your well-being.
We’re here to provide some general health recommendations, although you need to keep in mind that it’s crucial to consult with a healthcare professional and check for updates or country-specific guidelines. Here are our recommendations:
Vaccinations:
If you travel to Africa, it’s important to make sure that routine vaccinations are up to date. In other words, you need to be vaccinated against diseases such as mumps, measles, tetanus, diphtheria, rubella, and pertussis.
Depending on the region you wish to visit, you need to check if you need specific vaccinations.
Water and food safety:
You should drink only bottled or purified water, while you also need to avoid ice in drinks. As for food, you need to cook it well. You should avoid raw or undercooked seafood and street food.
Medical kit:
You should always take a medical kit with you, as you may never know when you will need it. You need to have essential meds in it, such as anti-diarrheal meds, pain relievers, as well as any prescription drugs you may need.
You should also include a first aid kit with bandages, necessary personal medical supplies, and antiseptic wipes.
Travel insurance:
If you want to travel to Africa, you have to buy comprehensive travel insurance that covers medical emergencies, evacuations, and trip cancellations.
Hygiene practices:
Such as, in the case of traveling to any other part of the world, you need to wash your hands regularly with water and soap or even use hand sanitizer, especially before you eat. Zoonotic diseases are practically everywhere in Africa, which means that it’s a good idea to avoid contact with animals if you travel there.
Malaria prevention:
Unfortunately, malaria is a disease that’s prevalent in many areas of Africa, which means that you should definitely consult your healthcare provider for the right antimalarial medication.
Local health services
It’s also a good idea to familiarize yourself with the location of local medical facilities and emergency services at the destination of your African journey.
Before beginning your journey to Africa, it’s important to schedule a pre-level health check-up with your healthcare provider to discuss your travel plans and make sure you are physically prepared for such a journey.
There are lots of interesting places to visit in Africa. You can have a look at the famous Egyptian Pyramids, for instance, the stunning beaches in Cape Town (South Africa), where even wild penguins live, and a lot more.