Health
Many people prior to travel get too preoccupied with the dangers associated with tropical diseases and what they will do if they fall sick. Other than the somewhat inevitable and rarely threatening diarrhea associated with changes in diet, very few travelers suffer serious illness when inside Colombia. A key to avoiding sickness while abroad is preparation and we advise that you read our recommendations so that you are well prepared for your trip to Colombia. Although less equipped in rural areas, most Colombian cities have good health facilities and numerous pharmacies that will provide medicines in the eventuality that you become ill during your travels. As an obvious precautionary measure you should take out travel insurance that covers medical necessities.
If you are undertaking travel for an extensive period of time there are a few recommendations to consider before departing your home country. A dental check-up could prove useful and for those who suffer from diabetes, heart trouble/cardio-pulmonary disease, high blood pressure or cholesterol problems consultation with your doctor is highly advised. If you are on regular medication take extras in the eventuality of loss and document all necessary information including generic medical names.
Minor
Altitude Sickness
When traveling in the Colombian Andes it is important to rest the first few days and drink lots of bottled water. Should you suffer from a severe headache, drowsiness, confusion, dry cough, and/or breathlessness, drink lots of water and rest. If the symptoms continue, it is advisable to move to a lower altitude. Anyone planning to hike at high altitudes is advised to relax in high altitude locations for a few days before any physical exertion. Note that altitude sickness, locally called soroche, can come on suddenly if you experience a sudden change of altitude. You may suffer from it when traveling to the likes of Parque Nacional Natural El Cocuy or Volcán Puracé. Sickness can also affect locals so be prepared and take care!
Sunburn/Heat Exhaustion
Even at high altitudes where cool breezes constantly blow and snow can accumulate, the sun is incredibly strong. Apply sunscreen with at least an SPF of 30 every few hours you are outside. The sun on the coast is particularly strong and unprepared visitors can get badly burned. If you get severe sunburn, treat it with a cream and stay out of the sun for a while. To avoid overheating, wear a hat and sunglasses and drink lots of water. Overweight people are more susceptible to sun stroke. The symptoms of heat exhaustion are profuse sweating, weakness, exhaustion, muscle cramps, rapid pulse and vomiting. If you experience heat stroke, go to a cool, shaded area until your body temperature normalizes and drink lots of water. If the symptoms continue, consult a doctor.
Motion Sickness
Even the hardiest of travelers can be hit by motion sickness on the buses in the Andes or boat trips along the coast or to Malpelo Island. Sit near the front of the bus or stay above deck on the boat and focus on the horizon. If you are prone to motion sickness, eat light, non-greasy food before traveling and avoid drinking too much, particularly alcohol. If you’re prone to motion sickness, over-the-counter medications such as Dramamine can prevent it. If you suffer from severe motion sickness, you may want consult a pharmacist to get a prescription for something stronger.
Traveler’s Diarrhea
This is probably the most common illness that travelers suffer from. There is no vaccine to protect you from traveler’s diarrhea; it is avoided by eating sensibly. Contrary to popular belief, it is usually transmitted by food, not contaminated water. Eat only steaming hot food that has been cooked all the way through in clean establishments. Avoid raw lettuce and fruit that cannot be peeled, like strawberries. Vegetables are usually safer than meat. Some supermarkets stock vegetable wash and this can be a good way to ensure clean fruit and vegetables if you are cooking your own meals.
Make sure any milk you drink has been boiled. Avoid ice cream that could have melted and been refrozen, such as anything for sale in the street. If you do get diarrhea, it is best to let it run its course while staying hydrated with clear soups, lemon tea, a Gatorade type drink and soda that has gone flat. Bananas are also a good source of potassium and help stop diarrhea. Coconut milk can also prove an effective remedy. If in an isolated location, mixing one teaspoon of salt and one tablespoon of sugar to a liter of water can reduce the severity of diarrhea. If you need to travel and can’t afford to let the illness run its course, any pharmacy will give you something that will make you comfortable enough for a bus trip. If the diarrhea persists for more than 5 days, see a doctor.
Frostbite
Frostbite is simply the freezing of the skin and is more commonly suffered at higher altitude zones. This can usually be avoided if you wear proper clothing - double thick socks, gloves, and a ski-mask can all help. Try to wear water-resistant clothing and change out of wet clothes immediately if you can. Smoking and drinking alcohol also raise your risk because they decrease your circulation. The most common places to get frostbite are on the hands and feet, although exposed facial areas like the ears, nose and cheeks are also vulnerable areas. The first signs of frostbite are usually tingling, numbness, and discoloration of the skin to white or yellow. When you begin to warm up you will start feeling pain in the affected area, and it may turn red and swell. The best way to treat frostbite is to soak the skin in warm, but not hot, water until feeling returns. Only begin treatment when you are safely out of the cold.
Fungal infections
These are most common in hot and humid areas and generally accumulate between the toes or fingers or around the groin. Spread by infected animals or people, fungal infections thrive in moist conditions. If you suffer from a fungal infection it is best to ensure the affected area is kept dry and clean and avoid scratching. Wear loose clothing and avoid artificial materials. Treating with anti-fungal cream or powder can also assist the infection.
Major
Hepatitis
It is advisable to be vaccinated against hepatitis A & B. Avoid situations where you could be subject to being punctured by a dirty needle. Needless to say, it is a good idea to stay away from any sort of questionable injection. It is also not a good idea to get a piercing while traveling, especially at the popular outdoor markets.
Malaria
Most doctors around the world will tell you that if you travel anywhere in Colombia, you must take pills to prevent malaria. This is not true as there are parts of Colombia where malaria is not present. If you are only traveling above 2,500m, where mosquitoes do not thrive, you do not need to take preventative medicine. However, if you plan to spend time along the eastern llanos, Colombia’s coastline, inland river valleys or in Amazonia, it is a good idea to take the proper measures to prevent the disease. Mosquitoes carrying malaria are evening and nighttime biters. In terms of preventative medical measures, you are advised to consult a pharmacist prior to travel as various malarial medicines are available. You are generally required to begin your prophylactic regime a few days prior to arrival in a malarial zone and, dependent on the prescribed medicine, two to six weeks after leaving.
If you are planning to go to the Amazon Rainforest for a couple of days, you may want to ask the accommodation staff for recommendations. Thoroughly apply insect repellent with at least 30% DEET. Applying it to your hair is good way to make the scent stay on your body longer. Sleep under a mosquito net, preferably elevated off the ground. Wear light colored clothes and avoid shiny jewelry. It is advisable to wear long sleeved clothing during the evening. Avoid using scented soaps or perfumes. Pregnant women are particularly vulnerable to catching malaria and should be particularly vigilant with their preventative regime.
The general initial symptoms of malaria are high fever, shivering, sweats, headaches, body pains and possible diarrhea or vomiting. In the instance that you suffer some of these symptoms, you should seek immediate medical assistance.
Rabies
There are stray dogs throughout Colombia that are usually harmless. Avoid all dogs that are behaving strangely. Some home-owners train guard dogs to attack trespassers. On long hikes in rural areas, always carry a walking stick to defend yourself if a dog starts to attack. In the Llanos and Amazonia regions ensure you are covered at night, especially on the feet, as some vampire bats can bite. In case you are bitten by a dog or a wild animal, clean the wound thoroughly and seek immediate medical consultation. If required, rabies vaccinations are readily available in most major cities. Try to identify the animal or its owner and inform the relevant authorities.
If you are planning to visit particularly isolated areas or will be working in a field that involves contact with animals it is advisable to consult a doctor and think about having the rabies vaccination prior to travel.
Typhoid
An oral capsule or injection should be taken before travel if you are planning to travel in Colombia or South America for an extended period of time (six months or more). The injection needs boosting every 3 years.
Yellow Fever
This mosquito-born disease is not endemic to Colombia but there is a risk of this disease, especially in the rainforest. Talk to your doctor before taking the vaccine, as it is not recommended for people with certain allergies, pregnant women, children under nine months and other special cases. The vaccine lasts for ten years and has minimal, if any, side effects. When vaccinated you will be given a Certificate of Yellow Fever Vaccination that should be carried with you. Visits to some places in South America may ask for it.
Cholera
Although the risks of cholera in Colombia are small and vaccinations are generally not necessary for international travel, there are some precautionary measures that can be taken to avoid contracting this potentially fatal disease. As cholera is an intestinal disease contracted from contaminated food or water, it is advisable to undertake similar precautions to those relating to diarrhea. Cholera triggers a watery diarrhea that can lead to severe dehydration. If contracted you should seek immediate medical attention.
Dengue fever
As being experienced in some other parts of South America, cases of dengue fever in Colombia have increased over the past year, especially along the northern coast. Dengue fever is a mosquito transmitted viral infection that is most common in densely populated urban areas. The best prevention is avoiding insect bites through means mentioned above with regard to malaria.
The symptoms of dengue fever are severe flu-like conditions. These include intense joint and muscle pains, fever, vomiting and headaches; conditions that are often followed by a rash. There is no immediate cure for dengue fever and, as well as seeking to replenish lost fluids, medical assistance should be sought in the unlikely eventuality that you contract the disease.
Pulmonary edema
Associated with a rapid clime in altitude and a severe deterioration of altitude sickness, some people can suffer from the potentially fatal pulmonary edema. As well as those associated with altitude sickness, symptoms of pulmonary edema can be a persistent cough, bloody phlegm, wheezing, a sensation of drowning and blue or bruised lips. The illness can also trigger a loss of orientation and hallucinations. An assisted descent in altitude is essential to avoid the intensification of these conditions and possible death.
Water borne infections
Before swimming in local waters you should always enquire about their safety. Be extremely careful if thinking about swimming in piranha or caribe infested rivers. Do not swim naked as some waters are populated by Candiru fish that trace urine currents and can enter bodily orifices. When bathing wear sandals as some tropical fish eject venom if trodden on.
AIDS (SIDA)
As in many parts of the world, AIDS infections are increasing. The virus, HIV is transmitted through injection by unsterilized needles previously used by a HIV sufferer and, increasingly, via unprotected sex. Contrary to popular belief, HIV in Colombia is more commonly transmitted by heterosexuals rather than homosexuals. It is worth avoiding the likes of acupuncture and tattooing unless certain of the location’s hygiene standards and safety. As is the case with any sexually transmitted disease, you should always practice safe sex. The HIV infection does not always trigger an automatic illness and can only be certified from a blood test.