Brazil is among the hottest destinations of the year, despite the increasing alarm for the spread of the Zika virus, particularly dangerous for pregnant women, which is rapidly spreading in the country. Beyond the easy alarms, what are the real health risks (and not only) of a stay in the South American country? And how to enjoy the most peaceful way possible holiday?
We asked Allianz Global Assistance experts, a company specialising intravel insurance , and here is a decalogue of simple safety rules to start serene.
Zika, better prevent than cure
The fundamental rule to prevent Zika and equally dangerous diseases such as malaria and dengue fever, is protect against mosquitoes with some simple precautions valid for all categories of travellers.
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- Always be alert: malaria bearers insects are active especially in the evening and night hours, but mosquitoes that transmit Zika and dengue can puncture both during the day and at night. It is however good to stay in the house in the hours of greater concentration of these insects, that is in the early morning or at sunset.
- Apply anti-mosquito repellents on both body and clothes, remember to repeat the application every 2-5 hours.
- Wearing long trousers and long sleeve shirts to protect arms and legs, spraying them with repellent.
- Avoid areas where stagnant water is present and eliminate stagnations from vessels and small containers that can recall mosquitoes.
- Make sure your stay is protected with fine textured mosquito nets at the windows, which is good to spray with an insecticide. It is also good to keep the air conditioning on and sleep under a mosquito net that arrives on the ground to avoid the entry of insects.
- Mosquitoes can hit from the moment of arrival at the airport, which is why have adequate sprays and clothes on the plane or in hand luggage.
- In case of medical problems, you should consult a doctor immediately without waiting to return to Italy.
- To protect yourself from malaria it is necessary to undergo a specific treatment, for which you should consult your doctor before departure.
Travelers in pregnancy: some extra attention.
Some diseases, such as Zika and malaria, are particularly serious for pregnant women: for this reason it is strongly recommended postpone travel in hazardous areas such as Brazil. Beyond particular situations such as the presence of these viruses, in the absence of specific alarms, pregnant women can absolutely travel but it is good to respect some rules.
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- The best time to go is during second trimester of pregnancy.
- It is always appropriate to consult your gynecologist by submitting your travel itinerary, even to obtain a health certificate that could be required by some airlines especially in the last stages of pregnancy.
- Different air carriers establish different rules, so it is always good to report your state in advance.
- Vaccines with attenuated live viruses are generally not recommended in pregnancy.
- A long flight It can be very uneasy for legs and feet: it is important to stand up and walk whenever possible and wear support socks.
- It's good. drink plenty of water throughout the flight to avoid the risk of dehydration.
- On the plane always keep the safety belt well adjusted under the belly, to protect both the mother and the unborn child.
- Try to avoid long bus or car transfers, in particular on roads not suitable for motor vehicles. Don't lift heavy suitcases.
- And avoid high altitude destinations or extreme heat, which are both a source of great discomfort.
Health Tips for All Travellers in Brazil
Before leaving for Brazil it is good to be informed about the health situation of the country and know how to move in case of problems, doctors and not only.
There are no compulsory vaccinations to start for Brazil, but it is recommended to carry out calls of the standard ones (diphtherite, tetanus, antipoly). The vaccination against yellow fever (especially for some areas) and, depending on the duration of the stay, those against typhoid fever and viral hepatitis A and B are also recommended.
In case of medical problems it is important to know that public health structures are generally lacking and that the cost of health benefits in Brazil is very high: the intervention on a broken leg in Rio de Janeiro could cost between 6,000 and 7,000€. Only a few categories of Italian citizens (employees and pensioners of the private sector and their dependents) can take advantage of urgent care in public or contracted hospitals, presenting a special form to request the ASL before departure. is important, therefore, to stipulate a travel policy that provides coverage of medical expenses with high ceilings and, if necessary, the possibility of transfer of the patient abroad or return to the country.
