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Tourism

Vacation – Without Fever

It's better to bring back vivid impressions from vacation, not exotic ailments

If the restless nature of a tourist or sybaritism takes you into the wilderness or, on the contrary, to the best resorts of civilization, the necessary medications may either not be available or may be inaccessible to you.

So, 'Financial News' recommends including the following in a minimum vacationer's first-aid kit:

– anti-inflammatory, antipyretic, pain reliever;

– remedies for diarrhea, heartburn, stomach pain;

– allergy remedies – tablets and cream or ointment;

– spray or tablets for sore throat;

– drops or spray for runny nose;

– hydrogen peroxide, iodine, brilliant green, etc. – for treating scratches, abrasions;

– burn remedy – ointment or spray;

– bandages, cotton pads, swabs, plasters of various types;

– medications you take regularly;

– digestive aids.

It is useless to take antibiotics with you; ailments of this kind cannot be treated without a doctor, and he will prescribe something completely different from what we use. Besides medications, don't forget insect repellents – repellent creams, fumigator, gel or ointment for itching after a bite.

• For those who take care of their health not only at home but also while traveling, it will also be useful to take the dietary supplement yodis, which contains a unique vitamin product. Yodis is also a good preventive remedy against flu and acute respiratory viral infections.

Remember that in many countries it is forbidden to import medications in unopened packages – open the packages and take out one tablet or capsule each. That way you can prove that the medications are for yourself and not for resale. Pack everything in a secure bag or cosmetic case so that a child cannot open it.

In European countries, as a rule, tap water is quite decent. But still, to avoid unnecessary risk, in exotic countries (Asia, the East, Latin America and, of course, Africa) be sure to drink only bottled or boiled water! And wash fruits bought in a store or at the market only with that water.

In hotel pools, starting from three stars and below, there may be issues. To avoid trouble, strictly forbid children from swallowing water while swimming and diving.

In hot countries, categorically avoid swimming in freshwater bodies and rivers – there can be anything, from unknown predatory fish, snakes, insects to exotic parasites and microbes.

Eating on vacation is a separate story. You should avoid: ready-made salads, especially if they mix raw and cooked products; exotic dishes you have never tried; spicy sauces; overly fried dishes; seafood if they look stale and have a strong smell; desserts with rich cream, too much ice cream.

It is better to choose: fermented dairy products, fresh vegetables à la naturelle, which you can cut yourself and dress with a dressing, preferably oil-vinegar rather than mayonnaise; boiled, baked, and stewed meat and fish with a suitable side dish; fruit desserts without cream or mousses.

Most of our tourists prefer so-called 'beach' vacation – swimming. And here minor and major troubles can lie in wait.

You should not touch marine creatures and fish in the water and any animals on the shore – some are poisonous or cause allergies. And on the beaches of Israel, Florida, Miami (USA) this year there has been an invasion of jellyfish. They say they are having a population explosion. Well, let them multiply, but we have no need to come into contact with them. If you are unlucky – a jellyfish stung you, try to remove the poisonous mucus from the skin as quickly as possible. Any scraper will do – a knife or a hard comb. Israeli doctors advise taking a bottle of vinegar to the beach – it neutralizes the alkaline mucus. Lemon juice might also work. Then consult a doctor – some jellyfish are deadly.

And, of course, do not forget sun protection – for adults and especially for children. A sunburned child ruins the whole vacation, not to mention their suffering. The protective layer needs to be renewed after each swim or every 3-4 hours.

Travel agencies will definitely arrange medical insurance for you along with the voucher. Don't be lazy, before departure call the insurance company, ask in detail what you can expect from your insurance. Clarify the deductible amount – the sum you will pay out of your own pocket upon first seeking medical help. It may unpleasantly surprise you, and it is not always possible to get it back as it should be. For example, the insurer may claim that your case is not covered. It makes sense to find out all this before the trip, not after.