Medical Precautions
The following Medical Precautions list was provided by George Bunch. It was developed with Dr. Art Dover’s advise for his Santa Cruz El Salvador Mission Trips
COVID Precautions:
Bring a record of your COVID vaccines and booster along with other vaccines & dates. Consider wearing a mask indoors in public spaces ( airport, airplane, market….) Bring several COVID self tests ( use with any symptoms or known exposure) Notify group leaders of any symptoms, known exposure or positive test
Vaccines
Hepatitis A (2 shots)
Hepatitis B (3 shots)
Tetanus Booster (every 10 years)
MMR / Polio (Primary Vaccine)
Influenza – yearly shot at least 2 -3 weeks before departure
Typhoid (Water Precautions) & consider oral vaccine $150 (good for 5 years) available from Dr. Art Dover 831-818-5632 Rabies ( do not approach or pet stay dogs, notify leader if bitten)
Malaria – Insect Repellent – Picaridin preferred over DEET(20%) though both are effective Relatively low risk in our project area.
Dengue Fever – Insect Repellent – Picaridin or DEET(20%) Long sleeves, long pants, are good prevention
Sunscreen – 30% or higher - cap/hat/sunglasses
Food / Water Precautions
Drink only Purified Water
Eat only food that is cooked or peeled – “Boil It, Cook It, Peel It or FORGET IT”
Hand Washing – Hand Sanitizer
Prescriptions - Must be in original RX bottle – supply for entire trip plus 3-4 days
Information Form - Must be complete about allergies, chronic illness, and contain emergency contact information
Safety
Most common serious medical problems are caused by accidents
Use seat belts when available
Do not ride in the bed of a pickup
Be careful around animals, especially dogs and cats
Wash any injury, bite, scratch, cut, burn, etc., with soap and water immediately
Personal 1st Aid Kit
BandAids Antibiotic Ointment (Bacitracin, Neosporin, Bactroban, Altibax, etc)
Medicines you occasionally need at home for: Pain / fever / allergies / asthma / stomach pain / diarrhea
Personal Hygiene items in small sizes
Check & bring “Overseas” International Health Insurance coverage record
--> Go Back