Trust me when I tell you that getting sick in the third world is no fun. Getting injured is even worse. Third world doctors are generally slightly better than those from the Crimean War, but only just. The first time someone tries to stick a used needle in your arm, you’ll understand what I am talking about. Luckily there are a few basic precautions you can take to make sure you steer clear of the hospital. Here’s what you’ll want to pack.
Imodium – This is your friend. Treat it like your long lost brother, because shitting your pants in front of your new hosts can be awkward. And if you spend enough time travelling off the beaten path then you will almost certainly shit your own pants or go very close in some point. Our stomachs just weren’t built to handle the punishment that an Afghan puts theirs through. Imodium (or your shit-stop of choice) will help with diarrea and cramps.
Gaffa Tape – Can be just as useful in holding together a bad cut as it can be in strapping a broken finger (over non-stick material!!) and it can even repair your ripped pack! Actually gaffa tape is good for just about anything.
Disinfectant Cream – For the above mentioned cut. Even the tiniest cuts can get infected in weird places so you cannot be too careful.
Anti-histamines – These are great for just about any allergic reaction. And being in a foreign environment, eating foreign food,
Water Purifying Tablets – Usually you are going to have stomach problems if you try to drink the local water. Some people are worse than others and some places are definitely worse than others. A happy fact is that Giardia is caused by ingesting faeces, usually in drinking water – and it is one of the most common travellers ailments in some areas. A nice little water purifying tablet could save you weeks of agony.
A Hat – This is a pretty basic one, but sun stroke is not fun. Having sun stroke and then drinking faeces infested water is even less fun. Not having Imodium after that is even worse. So take a damn hat.
Travel Insurance – You don’t care about it until you need it. But medical care in foreign countries can be extortionate. Think tens of thousands of dollars type of extortionate. Travel insurance companies also have help lines you can call when you get into trouble and that can be quite a help when you’re delirious.
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hmm. I guess you have just convinced me that I’m not interested in traveling to third world countries..
You’ll never know what you’re missing. Most people who start travelling to third world places quickly realise how boring travelling to the first world really is.
TUMS are also great and are easier to carry than Imodium.
Will check them out for sure. Thanks for the heads up on that.
You mentioned the used needles with third world doctors right off the bat, but then didn’t say that you should bring needles…
When I go third world I always bring a few sterile needles of my own.
lol – yup, that was quite an oversight wasn’t it? Yeah – bring some needles of your own. In fact, some first aid kits even have them.
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