Health and Medicine
Health and Medicine
Our Journeys are all led by qualified trek leaders. We are proud to have the best panel of leaders of any Trek Company. Our classic and tea house Himalayan treks are led by professionally trained leaders. We believe very strongly that it should be completely clear what is included in the price of your holiday. Explore Nepal has a long standing reputation at the safest wilderness operations in the Himalaya. All of our trek leaders have some first aid background. However we cannot guarantee there will be a doctor on your trek. Treks however do carry comprehensive medical kits. We do ask you to bring your own anti-biotic in consultation with your own doctor. If you are a qualified doctor or nurse and would like to take on the role of ‘trek doctor’ we would be happy to discuss this with you and offer suitably qualified people a discount.
In case of a serious medical emergency we try and organise the fastest evacuation possible by road or air to the nearest hospital. All people travelling with us are required to buy a travel insurance from country of origin, which should include air evacuation in case of medical emergencies.
Immunisation Guide
You will need to consult your doctor at least 6 weeks prior to departure, to work out an immunisation schedule relevant to your destination country. The following is rough guide for immunization commonly applicable to many of our trips. However we must stress that this is only a basic guide – and you must abide by the advice of your doctor.
Polio – Normally you will just need an adult booster.
Tetanus – An updated shot is recommended.
Typhoid – A full course normally requires 2 injections separated by an interval of 4-6 weeks; however this series is now being introduced in pill form
Hepatitis (A) & (B). Anti-malarial prophylactics – Please consult with your doctor for the most up to date information about anti-malarial medication for the areas that you will be visiting.
Meningitis A+C – This vaccination is now recommended for some countries, eg Nepal
Rabies pre-exposure vaccination – Please consult with your doctor for advice on whether you need rabies pre-exposure vaccination. This vaccination does not eliminate the need for urgent evacuation to a suitable medical facility for additional treatment, in the unlikely case of your being bitten. However, it does simplify that additional treatment and also prolongs the period that you can safely delay before receiving post-exposure treatment.
Yellow Fever – Usually required for South American and African countries.
Diamox: A number of studies have consistently shown that the controlled taking of Diamox (Acetazolamide) can be effective in reducing some of the symptoms of AMS (Acute mountain sickness). We would recommend that you ask your doctor to provide you with a small supply of Diamox (12 x 250mg tablets) if your trip involves periods above 2500/3000 metres (8000-10000 feet.) You may have to get this drug on a private prescription. Given enough notice, your doctor or local health clinic should be able to administer all the above..
Effects of Altitude
Our treks are designed to allow gradual height gain, spread over a number of days. There is no way of predicting who will suffer from altitude, but for the vast majority, the slow ascent to height of our treks will produce minimal effects
Personal First Aid Kit
You should bring a small personal first aid kit with you, containing the following items. When packing, ensure this is well padded as medicines often get damaged in transit. Any medicines/antibiotics required Antiseptic Cream Anti-fungal Foot Powder Sunscreen – Factor 16 to 25. ‘Sport’ brands are good. Get the best ‘photostable’ brands. Lipsalve – Must have a high sunscreen factor. Zinc blocks are also excellent for burnt lips. Insect Repellent Malaria Prophylactic Tablets Foot Blister Pack/Moleskin Pads Knee/Ankle support sleeve – “Tubigrip” bandage. Zinc Oxide, Adhesive Tape, Assorted plasters Throat Sweets – plenty of them, the air can be very dry Rehydrate Powder (“Dioralyte”) – please make sure you have enough for any emergency! Analgesic – Paracetamol, Aspirin, Panadol. Diamox – see notes on “Effects of Altitude” Iodine Solution/Tablets – for water purification.
