HEALTH TOPICS

MEDICAL SERVICES

Sanitary standards in Cuba are generally good. As long as you take appropriate precautions and use common sense, you're not likely to incur a serious illness or disease.

Most major cities and resort destinations have 24- hour clinics staffed by English-speaking doctors and nurses.

There are pharmacies stocked with a full range of Western drugs and pharmaceutical.

VACCINATIONS

No vaccinations are required to enter Cuba unless visitors are arriving from areas of cholera and yellow fever, in which case they must have valid vaccinations.

Epidemic diseases have mostly been eradicated throughout the country.

Anyway, consult your physician for recommended vaccinations.

MORE COMMON HEALTH PROBLEMS

Scratches and wounds

Even the slightest scratch can fester quickly in the tropics. Treat promptly and regularly with antiseptic and keep any wounds clean.

INTESTINAL PROBLEMS

Cuba’s tap water is questionable, specially after heavy storms, which may render water supplies unsafe. Play it safe and drink bottled mineral water (agua mineral), which is widely available.

Don’t forget, ice cubes are water, too, and don’t brush your teeth using suspect water.

Diarrhea: The change in diet – which can alter the bacteria that are normal and necessary in the bowel – may briefly cause diarrhea or constipation. In case of the latter, eat lots of fruit.

Treat diarrhea with rest and lots of liquid to replace the water and salts lost. Avoid alcohol and milk products. If conditions don’t improve after about three days, as a deadline, seek medical help.

Dysentery: Diarrhea accompanied by severe abdominal pain, blood in your stool and fever, is a sign of dysentery. Seek immediate medical diagnosis.

Other infections: Giardiasis, acquired from infected water is another intestinal complaint. It causes diarrhea, bloating, persistent indigestion, and weight loss. Seek medical advice.

Intestinal worms can be contracted by waking barefoot on infected beaches, grass or earth.

SUNBURN AND SKIN PROBLEMS

Don’t underestimate the tropical sun. it is intense and can fry you in minutes. It can even burn through light clothing or while you are lying in the shade.

Even a tanned person should use sun cream or sun block of at least SPF 8. Zinc oxide provides almost 100 % protection.

If you’re intent on a tan, build it up with patience, gradually. Use an appropriate skin lotion after sunbathing.

The tops of the feet and the backs of the knees are particularly susceptible to burning when walking around.

Sun glare can cause conjunctivitis. Use sunglasses.

Clothing too tight or in need of washing could cause skin irritations. Air out your body and feet (to avoid the athlete’s foot fungal infection). Wash your clothes.

A wide hat could be useful.

DEHYDRATION AND HEAT PROBLEMS

You’ll sweat profusely, especially in summer, when temperatures are extreme. Although your body may acclimatize to the heat gradually, at the same time dehydration can develop slowly.

Leg cramps, exhaustion, dizziness, and headaches are possible symptoms of dehydration.

Drink regularly to avoid dehydration. It is advisable to drink at least two liters of water per day.

In case of a heat stroke (symptoms: excessive sweating, extreme headaches, disorientation leading to possible convulsions and delirium), a potentially fatal result of a failure in the body’s heat-regulation mechanisms, emergency medical care is essential. In case of isolation or delay in medical assistance, place the victim in the shade, cover him with a wet cloth, and fan continually to cool him down.

Take at least one fresh shower a day. A while in a fresh pool will also be uplifting, but be careful, moderate, too much time in the water can also cause dehydration. Wrinkles in your fingers are a symptom of it.

AIDS AND SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED DISEASES

Contracting AIDS in Cuba is a relatively minor risk; the rate of infection is among the world’s lowest and the Cuban government conducts an exemplary campaign against it.

However, there is a latent risk, and other diseases such as gonorrhea, syphilis, genital warts, genital herpes, and other could more commonly endanger anyone.

The best prevention is to avoid casual sexual contacts. If not, practice safe sex. Use condoms.

Fungal infections are also a potential risk and can be passed sexually, as well as from towels and shared clothing.

SNAKES, SCORPIONS AND CROCODILES

There are not poisonous snakes in Cuba, but they can bite. Watch where you’re treading or putting your hands in the wild.

You are not likely to see them, but scorpions ( alacranes ) exist in Cuba. It’s foolish to attempt to pick up a scorpion by hand. In any case, a hefty object (and something to clean up the mess!) will be the wisest and safest procedure.

By fortune, most areas inhabited by crocodiles, as Zapata swamps, are off-limits for tourists without guidance. Just in case, don’t go wading in swampland.

INSECTS AND ARACHNIDS

Otherwise mosquitoes, wasps, ants, and bees, Cuba is relatively free of biting insects.

Cockroaches are common, but they are harmless

Bites can easily become infected in the tropics, so avoid scratching. Itching relievers: antihistamine tablets, hydrocortisone, and calamine lotion. In case of persistent pestering due to an insect bite, be treated locally (and promptly) is advisable, since doctors back home might have difficulties treating such a problem.

The cays, coastal flatlands and water front areas are particularly noted for mosquitoes.

Long-sleeved shirts and long pants will help reduce the number of bites you could be “rewarded” with.

The best mosquito repellents contain DEET (diethylmetatoluamide), which is quite toxic. Avoid using it on small children. DEET will melt plastic or lycra.