South Africa Health
South Africa Travel Plan has attempted to provide the most accurate information on healthcare in South Africa. However, we strongly suggest that you contact the appropriate medical authorities for the latest health related information for your destination.
South Africa is a partially a (sub)tropical country and therefore there’s a higher risk of contracting illnesses. This is due to the large amounts of bacteria present in tropical climates. A tropical climate, with it’s warm and wet surroundings, is a perfect breeding ground for pathogens. Although the risk of illness shouldn’t be exagerated and shouldn’t prevent you from enjoying your trip, we suggest proper preparation and risk awareness while travelling.
There are precautions that you can take prior to departure, we will discuss these with you. We will also give you tips on what you can do while travelling to stay healthy and what to watch out for after you’ve returned home.
Health precautions prior to departure
Be sure to contact your local medical authorities prior to departure, such as a hospital or other health services. A last minute trip to South Africa shouldn’t be a problem for a healthy person. If your trip is truly last minute, you could even visit the travel clinic at the airport before departure. Be sure to always bring along your vaccination documents, if you have these. Of course, it’s best to arrange vaccinations well before departure if at all possible.
The following is a quick summary of information on illness prevention in Southern Africa. This information is relevant for non-pregnant travellers without health problems, who will not be staying in Southern Africa for more than a month. This information should be seen as basic and should be supplemented by your own efforts to obtain up to date information relevant to your own personal situation.
Malaria
There are a few malaria hot spots in South Africa:
It’s important to always protect yourself against mosquito bites. If you feel feverish or have flu-like symptoms during or after your stay in a malaria-area, always contact a physician.
- South Africa – Kruger (summer):
- in the months October through May there is risk of malaria, we suggest taking anti-malaria pills during this period of time
- South Africa – Kruger (winter):
- in the months June through September there is little risk of malaria, however we do suggest taking measures to prevent mosquito bites
- South Africa – Kwazulu-Natal:
- in the months October through May (during remaining months there are no mosquitos) there is risk of malaria, we suggest taking anti-malaria pills during this period of time
- Mozambique:
- in the months January through December there is risk of malaria, we suggest taking anti-malaria pills during this period of time
- Namibia – North (summer):
- in the months November through June there is risk of malaria, we suggest taking anti-malaria pills during this period of time
- Namibia – Angola Border Area:
- in the months January through December there is risk of malaria, we suggest taking anti-malaria pills during this period of time
- Namibia – North (winter):
- in the months July through October there is risk of malaria, we suggest taking measures to prevent mosquito bites during this period of time
- Botswana – North (winter):
- in the months July through October there is risk of malaria, we suggest taking measures to prevent mosquito bites during this period of time
- Botswana – North (summer):
- in the months November through June there is risk of malaria, we suggest taking anti-malaria pills during this period of time
- Botswana – Other Areas:
- there is no risk of malaria in these areas
- Zimbabwe – Zambezi:
- in the months January through December there is risk of malaria, we suggest taking anti-malaria pills during this period of time
- Zimbabwe – Bulawayo and Harare:
- there is no risk of malaria in these areas
- Zimbabwe – Other Areas (winter):
- in the months July through October there is risk of malaria, we suggest taking measures to prevent mosquito bites during this period of time
- Zimbabwe – Other Areas (summer):
- in the months November through June there is risk of malaria, we suggest taking anti-malaria pills depending on the route to be taken and the length of your stay
Vaccinations
Vaccinations against DTP (diphteria, tetanus and polio) and Hepatitis A are recommended for visits to Southern African countries. Most people have received DTP vaccinations in their youth. After a second shot, you’ll be able to go without this vaccination for quite some time. These vaccinations are not required by law, however are highly recommended.
The standard Hepatitis A vaccination is only effective for a limited amount of time, therefore it’s important to receive the vaccination only a short time before leaving for South Africa. If you plan on travelling to countries where Hepatitis A is found more frequently or for longer periods of time, it’s worth looking into vaccinations that last longer (such as Havrix). Keep in mind that these are expensive vaccinations and you’ll need a new shot in 6 months time.
In Mozambique and Zimbabwe you may be asked for a cholera statement. Ask your local GP for more information about this.
Additional preparations
Preparing your own first-aid kit for the tropics (or buying one) is a smart move. Most places that offer vaccinations will provide some information concerning health in Southern Africa. If you are on medication, be sure to bring along the patient information leaflet to ensure that you are not a drug (ab)user. Also be sure to bring along extra medication so that you won’t have to worry about finding a South African pharmacy if you do lose some of your medication. Bring along an English explanation from your doctor regarding the medicine you are taking. If applicable, you may also want to bring along a clean set of syringes and needles. Remember to bring along a doctor’s statement for these as well.
If you wear glasses or contact lenses, bring along the optician’s description or an extra pair of glasses or set of contact lenses. Prescription diving goggles are sold and rented at diving stores and diving schools.
Aside from getting the proper vaccinations and making sure you’re in excellent health before departure, it’s also important to prevent illness while you’re in South Africa. Remaining alert of possible threats and contacting a doctor in case of concern are two basic practices that can help ward off disease. Below you’ll find more tips on how to stay healthy and happy while on vacation!
Jet lag
If you would like to avoid or limit the effects of jet lag, start off by avoiding coffee and alcohol during your flight to South Africa and by keeping the first days after your arrival for relaxing and acclimatising. There is little time difference between the UK and Southern Africa (depending on winter or summertime, 1 to 2 hours). However, the flight is quite long and it could take some recouperating to get your energy level back to normal. You may also need some time to adjust to the climate and all of the new impressions.
Bilharzia
Avoid infection by tiny worms by not swimming in still standing water.
Skin care
-Take any wounds you may get very seriously, as open cuts can become infected far more easily in humid conditions! Keep an eye on them, treat them with disinfectants and cover them with a plaster.
-Try not to scratch open mosquito bites.
– Always wear a high factor of sunscreen on any bare skin which will be exposed to the sun, even in the rainy season.
– Wear a T-shirt and shorts while snorkelling.
– Try not to wear brightly coloured or black clothing, strong perfume, deoderant or aftershave, to help ward off stinging insects.
– If you are sensitive to skin irritation, it’s best to wear cotton or linen clothes. It will allow more air to reach your skin.You can also sprinkle yourself with (unscented) talcum powder to avoid prickly heat.
– Be sure to wash or disinfect your hands after each visit to the toilet and avoid biting your nails.
Sunstroke
Avoid a sun stroke by covering your head with a hat or cap and by wearing sun glasses. Always have a bottle of water with you, especially when hiking or when drinking water will be in short supply. If you believe that you may have a sun stroke (lightheadedness or headaches may indicate this), have a drink, sit in the shade and stay there for a while if possible.
This is very important!
If you have a fever, bowel problems or other physical complaints of an unknown nature after you return home (up to several months after your return home), contact your doctor and let him/ her know exactly where you’ve been in South Africa. Be sure to inform the doctor of the length of your stay and the nature of your itinerary. If you’ve spent a lot of time with the local population, you may need a Mantoux or TBC test.