HOLIDAY HEALTH TIPS The Christmas holidays are upon us and as usual, many Kenyans are preparing to travel upcountry or to the coastal and other regions for a holiday. Here are some important tips for you and your family as you travel. Wash your hands often:
Keeping hands clean is one of the most important steps you can take to avoid getting sick
and spreading germs to others. Many diarrhoeal diseases can be prevented by proper
washing of hands. Wash your hands with soap and clean running water for at least 20
seconds. If soap and clean water are not available, use an alcohol-based product.
FOOD: Eat only well cooked food, and eat in clean establishments. Avoid salads,
kachumbaris and other uncooked foods unless you are absolutely sure that they have been
Traveller’s diarrhoea is the most common travel-related ailment. The cornerstone of
prevention is food and water precautions. Al travel ers should bring along an antidiarrheal
drug to be started promptly if significant diarrhoea occurs, defined as three or more loose
stools in an 8-hour period or five or more loose stools in a 24-hour period, especial y if
associated with nausea, vomiting, cramps, fever or blood in the stool.
Most cases of travellers' diarrhoea are mild and do not require either antibiotics or
antidiarrheal drugs. Adequate fluid intake is essential.
If diarrhoea is severe or bloody, or if fever occurs with shaking chil s, or if abdominal pain
becomes marked, or if diarrhoea persists for more than 72 hours, medical attention should be
Though effective, antibiotics are not recommended prophylactical y (i.e. to prevent diarrhea
before it occurs) because of the risk of adverse effects, though this approach may be
warranted in special situations, such as immunocompromised travellers.
Stay warm.
Cold temperatures can cause serious health problems, especial y in infants and older adults.
Those who are travelling to the highlands-Limuru, Nandi and so on should try to stay dry, and
dress warmly in several layers of loose-fitting, tightly woven clothing. This is especial y
Get check-ups and vaccinations.
Exams and screenings can help find problems before they start. They can also help find
problems early, when the chances for treatment and cure are better. For example parents
with children who are asthmatic, epileptic or prone to al ergies should have the kids checked
up. Schedule a visit with your health care provider for a yearly exam. Ask what vaccinations
and tests you should get based on your age, lifestyle, travel plans, medical history, and family
Remember to take your medications.
Holidays often disrupt routines and may cause you to forget your life-saving medications.
(Medicines for high blood pressure, Diabetes, high cholesterol, asthma, ARVs etc.) As you
note social appointments, add a reminder to take your medications or order re-fil s. If you are
travelling, be sure to take enough medications with you in case of delays and have a copy
of your prescriptions in case of loss. Be sure to bring a phone number for your doctor along
with your Resolution Health Insurance cards, in case of emergency. Carry your medications in
Endemic – Areas of stable malaria have altitudes ranging from 0 to 1300 meters around
Lake Victoria in western Kenya and in the coastal regions. Rainfall, temperature and humidity
are the determinants of the perennial transmission of malaria. Transmission is intense
Seasonal malaria transmission- this epidemiological zone in arid and semi-arid areas of
northern and south-eastern parts of the country experiences short periods of intense malaria
transmission during the rainfall seasons. Temperatures are usual y high and water pools
created during the rainy season provide the malaria vectors breeding sites
Malaria epidemic prone areas of western highlands of Kenya - Malaria transmission in the
western highlands of Kenya is seasonal, with considerable year-to-year variation.
Low risk malaria areas – this zone covers the central highlands of Kenya including Nairobi.
The temperatures are usual y too low to al ow breeding of mosquitoes.
PREVENTION IS BETTER THAN CURE!
If you are travelling to a Malaria zone, ensure that you and your children:
2. USE MOSQUITO REPELLANT SPRAY OR PETROLEUM JELLY TO REPEL MOSQUITOES.
3. CLEAR HOMESTEAD OF BUSHES, STAGNANT POOLS.
4. USE MOSQUITO SPRAY TO SPRAY ROOMS BEFORE SLEEPING.
PROPHYLAXIS: MALARIA PREVENTION BY USE OF MEDICINES:
If you are pregnant, planning a pregnancy or breastfeeding
If you suffer from any diseases or conditions If a child UNDER 5 YR is travelling with you.
This information wil help the pharmacist recommend the most appropriate regimen for you.
Remember to leave yourself enough time before you leave to obtain your medicines. Al the
malaria prevention medicines must be started before you travel. Mefloquine needs to be
started two-and-a-half weeks before travel, chloroquine and proguanil should be started a
week before, and Malarone and doxycycline one to two days before travelling.
DR GLORIA SANE, MEDICAL ADVISORY DEPARTMENT RESOLUTION HEALTH EAST AFRICA LIMITED
Asthma medicines You and your child should know the name of each medicine your child is taking. Each person’s asthma is different and medicines that help one person may not help another. Always use medicines in the amount and method prescribed. Always make sure you have enough medicines on hand. Quick acting inhaled bronchodilators (rescue or reliever medicines) Brand name Gen
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HOLIDAY HEALTH TIPS