Kenya is a beautiful country to visit, the scenery is breath taking and the people are really, really friendly. With so much to do on a trip to the country, the last thing you want is to fall ill and end up cooped up in a hotel room or even in a hospital. So keep in mind the following health tips and you will be sure to have a great time.
Diseases
Unfortunately, there are a number of diseases that are prevalent in Kenya, but if you take care, you can avoid them. HIV and AIDS are widespread; I’ll say no more about that. Another problem is bilharzia. Bilharzia is a parasitic disease caused by worms that are able to live in the blood stream (I know, it’s disgusting) so don’t paddle or swim anywhere other than hotel swimming pools where you can be sure that the necessary hygiene precautions have taken place. Take the usual precautions of vaccinations before you go and maintain your hygiene standards and you should avoid most problems. And keep away from stray animals, rabies is present, and you just never know.
Malaria
Malaria is present in most of Kenya, so it’s worth giving it a special mention. Wear long sleeved shirts and pants when outside, and keep doors and windows closed when inside. I always take the plug-in mosquito repellents to leave on at night, but it’s also worth taking the spray, so you can spray the room before dusk. And, of course, take the spray for your body (I always spray my ankles). It’s pretty noxious stuff, and you may find that the colour runs from dark clothes etc. If you are going on safari, you can buy mosquito nets and take them with you. I have one that stands up on its own. They are usually treated with mosquito repellent.
Stay out of the Water
The hotel swimming pool will probably be ok, but don’t go swimming or paddling anywhere else. There are an awful lot of nasty water-borne diseases – Weil’s disease being just one of them. It’s just not worth it.
Don’t Buy the Meds
It’s easy to buy over-the-counter medications in the pharmacies and supermarkets in Kenya. Now, I’m not saying that they are not genuine but they may not be exactly the same as the ones you are used to at home, so your body may not react in exactly the same way. Save yourself trouble, and take your headache tablets, anti-diarrhoea tablets, etc. with you. In fact, as a lot of people get upset stomachs when they travel to countries with such different climates, it’s best to ensure you take a supply of Imodium, or something similar.
Other General Health Tips
The usual health tips apply – don’t drink tap water, only drink bottled water and ensure that it is sealed properly. (Even if the water is safe to drink, we can often react to water from different countries.) This includes not having ice in drinks and not eating salads as they will have been washed in tap water. Also avoid eating street food. Use restaurants that have a lot of customers, that way you have a better chance of the food being fresh and ensure that what you do eat is cooked thoroughly. Ensure the usual hygiene standards – wash your hands before eating and after handling money.
Follow these tips and enjoy your vacation!
A vacation in Kenya is sure to be a lot of fun if you stay safe and healthy, and villas in Kenya can really top off the experience. Visit the Owners Direct website to browse through a wide selection of vacation villas and book online.
