Minor Health Problems

Altitude Sickness

When traveling in the Peruvian Andes, it is important to rest for a few days and drink lots of bottled water. Should you feel a severe headache, drowsiness, confusion, dry cough, and/or breathlessness, drink lots of water and rest. If the symptoms continue, you may want to move to a lower altitude. Anyone planning to hike at high altitudes is advised to relax in a high altitude city for a few days before any physical exertion. Note that altitude sickness, can come on suddenly if you experience a sudden change of altitude.

Sunburn/Heat Exhaustion

Peru is not far from the equator; therefore, 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. If you get a 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 and boats off the Peruvian coastline. 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: in Peru, go to a pharmacy and ask for Mareol, a liquid medicine similar to Dramamine. If you suffer from severe motion sickness, you may want to get a prescription for something stronger, like the patch.

Traveler's Diarrhea

This is probably the most common disease for travelers. 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. 

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, the best way is to let it run its course while staying hydrated with clear soups, lemon tea, Gatorade and soda that has gone flat. Bananas are also a good source of potassium and help stop 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.