African Safari Safety Measures
Expansive savannahs, vast plains, and countless beasts roaming free and untamed are the images associated with African safaris. A wonderful image, but it is important to remember that an African safari can easily turn too wild for your safety, especially for first time visitors to the continent. In addition to Africa's numerous natural wonders, there are many diseases and health risks rarely encountered in the West. You must be prepared for those risks if you're planning to go on an African safari.
A Disease-Free African Safari
The African continent is unfortunately notorious for the diseases that have become prevalent there. Hepatitis and acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) in particular are known to be widespread and easily transmitted in the region. Remember that you'll be in completely unknown territory, far away from your family physician. This is one case where prevention is much, much better than trying to find a cure.
Many of the very contagious diseases you could get on an African safari are transmitted through exchange of body fluids, such as when you're bitten by a mosquito that has bitten an infected person. Because it's almost impossible to completely prevent such incidents from happening, having yourself vaccinated two to three months prior to your trip would be the wisest course of action. Many contagious diseases like the variants of hepatitis now have available vaccines so you should make it a point to get shots before your trip.
Of course, when possible, you should avoid contact with the disease vectors entirely. Mosquito bites, one of the commonest transmission methods of disease on African safaris, can be prevented by regular application of mosquito repellant. AIDS and hepatitis are also transmitted through sexual contact, so a condom is absolutely necessary if you plan to be sexually active while on your African safari.
Hygiene for Health
It's no secret that the hygiene and overall conditions in many places in Africa are less than ideal. Many still do not have access to potable running water, the climate allows for faster growth of pathogens, and antibacterial products are a foreign idea to many locals. You're more susceptible to the threat that they pose because you're not exposed to such conditions on a regular basis, unlike the locals who have already built up immunity. Thus watching out for hygiene will have to be your prerogative and responsibility.
When going around on your African safari and various other activities, be sure to always carry alcohol and lots of bottled water with you. That's so you'll always have access to clean water and a method for cleaning your hands. Also, be wary of the food that's served to you. It's likely that hygiene wasn't a very big priority when the food was being handled or prepared. If you don't trust the person who served the food, forget about it.
Your African safari can be enjoyable and memorable without being dangerous. By taking note of the precautions above, everybody can enjoy themselves without worrying about diseases and health risks.
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