We should start preparing for a trip to Turkey by checking what he alth problems may await us during our vacation. People going to the South-East of the country should see a doctor for a prescription for anti-malarial drugs. In this region of Turkey, the risk of contracting this disease is very high. Check how to prepare for a trip to Turkey and what to look for when relaxing.
Malaria prophylaxis
Before going to the south-eastern part of Turkey, be sure to get anti-malarial drugs, because in this part of the country the risk of contracting the disease is very high. Since a vaccine against malaria has not yet been developed, taking the correct prescription drugs is the best prevention. Antimalarials such as Doxycycline, Mefloquine, Chloroquine, and Malarone. The latter drug contains atovaquone and proguanil hydrochloride, substances that kill the malaria-causing parasites in the liver and blood.
During your stay in Turkey, it is worth having a mosquito net, clothes with long legs and sleeves that will protect us from mosquitoes and the malaria they transmit. You should also stock up on repellants, i.e. insect repellants. They are available as creams, lotions and sprays. Please see your travel medicine doctor for all the information you need.
Vaccinations before going to Turkey
Before leaving, it is recommended to read the vaccination schedule. We will learn that people who have previously vaccinated against infectious tropical diseases should have booster vaccinations against:
- hepatitis A and B (in case of surgical intervention or contact with contaminated water),
- typhoid (in case of contact with contaminated food or water),
- rabies (due to the risk of being bitten by sick animals),
- diphtheria and tetanus (due to the risk of contact with contaminated soil),
- measles, mumps and rubella (if there is a risk of contact with sick people).
Remember to have the vaccine at least 4 weeks before departure.
Travel first aid kit
In addition to anti-malarial drugs and repellants, put in the travel medicine cabinet beforefor a trip to Turkey you must put in:
- anti-diarrheal drugs, e.g. medicinal charcoal - many tourists in Turkey suffer from diarrhea resulting from a different bacterial flora (the so-called sultan's revenge),
- painkillers and antipyretics,
- hydrogen peroxide or other skin disinfectants,
- dressings,
- antibacterial gels and wipes,
- creams with UV filters (preferably SPF 50).
Appropriate clothing
In addition to pants with long legs, the list of things to pack should include thermo-active underwear that will minimize the discomfort associated with constant heat. You should also remember about shoes with solid soles, because in Turkey, as in Morocco or Egypt, there is a risk of tetanus infection.