Health Advice and Tips for Visitors to Uganda

Are you visiting Uganda for the first time and you do not know how best you can have a healthy trip? Planning a trip to a new destination like Uganda for the first time usually comes with its own challenges the fact that many things have to be put together for one to have the best of an African safari in this magical landlocked country. If it is your first time to visit Uganda then the following health tips are of great significance to you.

Get the proper travel vaccines

Before you embark on a trip, be aware of travel immunizations that are expected of you.  Usually, visitors on safari to Uganda are advised to get immunized against hepatitis A and B, yellow fever, typhoid, cholera, meningitis, polio, measles, chickenpox a mention but a few.

Come with prescription and over the counter medications

Carrying medicine isn’t a bad idea but take note that some medications do have psychoactive properties and because of this that they are abused. Because of this, you will need an adequate pack of medication that will take you up to the last day of your holiday. As well, you can also have the written list of your medications plus the physician and home pharmacy’s contact details.

Malaria awareness

Before you set off for a trip, make sure that your health specialist prescribes for you some anti-malarial medication. Always take medication as recommended by the doctor. In case you are going to have a night in an open place make sure that you come with a mosquito net. As well, you need insect repellent, long-sleeved shirts, and others.

Waterborne diseases

It is a good idea to stay hydrated especially during hot sunshine but take note that the safety of water in Uganda may not be the same as that at your home country. The intestinal infections are commonly experienced due to taking contaminated water or eating food which has been exposed to contaminated water. The best you need to do is to take bottled or distilled water. You will need some pack of anti-diarrheal medication and oral rehydration packets in case of intestinal illness.

Sunscreen

Uganda’s sun heat may not be that favorable to everyone and that is why you need a hat to cover you from that scorching sun and sunscreen, sunglasses or shaded to help protect you from dust, bacterial conjunctivitis which is also popular as pink eye. Avoid over staying out for long and try as much as possible to be under an umbrella.

Carryout research

Before you set off for a trip to any new destination, it is important that you conduct research so as to find out the likely risks. Check through the latest health warnings in different platforms to stay up to date. Most importantly, ask yourself which contagious diseases can easily be transmitted through mosquitoes, water, unsanitary conditions, and others; what are the climatic conditions in that destination a mention but a few.

Protect your feet

You need sandals to put on while in the shower as a way to safeguard yourself from fungal infections and parasitic infections. In case you plan to go hiking and gorilla trekking safari experience, then you need good walking/hiking shoes that are waterproof.

Have a well-stocked first aid kit

This is best for general emergencies and it is mainly a collection of supplies and equipment which are used to give medical treatment. There are many things contained in the first aid kit including latex gloves, bandages, antibiotic ointments, aspirin, hydrocortisone, lip balm, tweezers, iodine wipes, alcohol swabs, digital thermometer among others.

Where to seek medical care

Uganda has had a good record in quality health care services mostly by the private sector. Mulago Hospital is the most significant national referral hospital and the others are mostly private hospitals and they include Case Hospital Kampala, Nakasero Hospital Kampala, Kampala Hospital, SAS Clinic Kampala and The International Hospital of Kampala among others.

Altitude

In case your dream has always been to embark on a breathtaking hike in higher altitude then it is important that you ask your doctor to prescribe for you the altitude sickness medication, for instance, the Diamox. This is perfect for hikers on hiking safari to Mount Rwenzori.

Arrange for travel health insurance

For any plans to visit Uganda, it is important that you get to travel or medical insurance. This will cover the medical expenses, trip cancellation, lost luggage, accidents a mention but a few. This kind of insurance can be planned when booking for a trip such that it covers exactly that period of your tour.

In conclusion, a trip to a new destination like Uganda is such a memorable safari experience. To get the best and a healthy holiday in this magical country, the above tips should be a must to put into consideration.