Vaccinations are important for every traveler. You are exposed to a number of health risks in foreign country. Sri Lanka is no exception and you must see your doctor two months before you travel to the country. A doctor can assess any particular health problems that you may have. Below are some of the vaccinations that you should receive before you travel to Sri Lanka.
Tetanus– This is a dangerous infection that affects the nervous system. You can contract it from scratches and dirty cuts. This vaccination is recommended to travelers when they are planning to visit a foreign country.
Typhoid– This disease is contracted through consumption of contaminated water or food.
Hepatitis A– This causes audience and inflammation. It is important to get vaccination especially when visiting risky areas.
Hepatitis B– People who are planning to work in as volunteers or visit hospitals are advised to vaccination against this disease. You can be infected through sex, contaminated needles and infected blood. It is important to get vaccinated when you are planning to stay in Sri Lanka.
Japanese encephalitis– This is an infection spread by mosquitoes. It is dangerous and very serious because it affects the brain. Mosquito bites are unavoidable and especially if you will be visiting rural areas.
Rabies– This is a serious infection spread by infected animals like dogs. It is done through broken skin, bites or licks. If you are planning to visit remote areas, make sure you get vaccinated. But you also seek medical treatment if you are bitten by any animal, even when you have been vaccinated.
There are other diseases that you should prevent. They include:
Malaria– This is spread by mosquitoes and it is a dangerous disease. If not treated on time, it can be fatal. There is no malaria vaccination but there are precautions that can help you a lot. You can use long sleeved clothes to cover your body and insect repellents. Make sure that you sleep under a treated mosquito net. Also talk to your doctor to get anti malarial tablets. If you get a fever seek medical attention as soon as you can. This will help you stay safe.
Dengue fever– This is a viral infection and it is spread by mosquitoes. This mosquito is very active during the day and it is common in urban areas. It is also known as break bone fever. Its symptoms include muscular and bone pain, headache, fever and painful joints. It has no vaccine and the only way to avoid is staying away from areas with mosquitoes.
High altitude– In Sri Lanka there areas with high altitude and some go over 2400m. Travelers should avoid such areas that may give them ill effects like Acute Mountain Sickness. This is a life threatening condition.
Traveler’s diarrhea– This is a common ailment amongst people travelling to various destinations. It is advisable to carry medication to prevent diarrhea. Take some antibiotics once you sense cramps, fever, vomiting or nausea. Take a lot of fluids and in mild cases the problems will go away on its own without any treatment. Seek medical attention if the stool is stained with blood and goes over 72 hours.
Carry some medications in their original packaging when travelling because some times you may be far from health facilities. A signed letter from your doctor is also important because it will show if you have medical condition. Carry with an extra pair of contacts or glasses if you wear any of them. Make sure you covered by insurance to cater for medical expenses. It can be very expensive to get treatment in Sri Lanka without a medical cover.
