As a traveller, it is imperative to be aware of the health risks that arise when visiting new countries, trying unusual cuisines, and participating in extreme activities. The first step is always to visit a travel health clinic, well in advance of your departure. If you are going on a last minute trip, then the sooner you seek health advice the better is for you. Leave it too late-less then four weeks before you leave -and you could be compromising the effectiveness of vaccination schedules. It is important to stress that the advice given will depend on many different factors, which is why there is no such thing as uniform advice to every traveller.

ALTITUDE SICKNESS
Altitude sickness on a trek is caused by 'too high, too soon' and cannot be prevented by physical fitness alone. All our treks are designed to acclimatise you slowly, so you do not suffer from nausea brought on by altitude sickness. However, it is essential to note that as everyone's constitution varies from the other, some people will require more time to acclimatise.

Symptoms: The main symptoms are headache, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, loss of appetite, disturbed sleep, and later, if ignored, unsteadiness of gait and confusion, which may lead to coma and even death.

Prevention: Above 2500m, a 'graded ascent' (rest day every 600-1200m) and a slow ascent rate (maximum 400-600m per day) allows adequate time for acclimatization and reduces the risk of altitude sickness.

Vaccine: None. Acetazolamide (Dimox) can help speed up acclimatization.

Treatment: A descent to lower altitude is most important; do not go higher, if signs of sickness persist.

MALARIA
Malaria is one of the more widely recognised conditions causing concern to travellers. The medications, that can help minimise the risk of developing it, are on occasion known to have unpleasant side-effects, even these are preferable to the effects of disease itself.

Prevention: Anti-malarial medication and mosquito bite avoidance is essential, and if adhered to correctly will give you good protection.

Apply insect repellent (more then 30% DEET), to expose skin every five to six hours. >Wear light coloured long-sleeved shirts and trousers.

Vaccine: None. Make sure to take the anti-malaria tablets exactly as prescribed.