The following information is based upon advise given at the Centre for Desease Control and Prevention website.

 

Vaccinations

Make sure you are up-to-date on routine vaccines before every trip. These vaccines include measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis vaccine, varicella (chickenpox) vaccine, polio vaccine, and your yearly flu shot. Yellow fever vaccination is recommended for all travelers over 9 months of age going to areas at elevations less than 2,300 m (7,546 ft), including the regions of Puerto Maldonado and Iquitos. The vaccination is generally not recommended for travelers whose itineraries are limited to areas above 2,300 m (7,546 ft) in elevation, which include Cusco, Arequipa, Machu Picchu and Lake Titicaca. Lima is also not at risk due to the absense of yellow-fever carrying mosquitos in the city. A hepatitis A vaccine is recommended because you can get hepatitis A through contaminated food or water in Peru, regardless of where you are eating or staying. You can get typhoid through contaminated food or water in Peru. CDC recommends this vaccine for most travelers, especially if you are staying with friends or relatives, visiting smaller cities or rural areas, or if you are an adventurous eater. When traveling in Peru, you should avoid mosquito bites to prevent malaria. You may need to take prescription medicine before, during, and after your trip to prevent malaria, depending on your travel plans and advice from your doctor. Areas of Peru with risk of malaria are all regions below 2,000m (6,600 ft), which includes Iquitos and Puerto Maldonado. No malaria has been reported in  Lima, Arequipa, Puno, Cusco and Machu Picchu. Although rabies can be found in dogs, bats, and other mammals in Peru, it is not a major risk to most travelers. CDC recommends this vaccine only for travelers who have a specific heightened risk of being bitten.

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Altitude sickness

Altitude sickness, also called mountain sickness, is a group of general symptoms that are brought on by traveling to an altitude above 2500m (8200ft). It happens because the body doesn’t have enough time to adapt to the lower air pressure and lower oxygen level in the air at high altitudes, which can cause symptoms such as headache, nausea, vomiting and lightheadedness.

 

The different levels of altitude sickness have different symptoms:​

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• MILD: Symptoms of mild, short-term altitude sickness include dizziness, fatigue, shortness of breath, loss of appetite, sleep problems and a general loss of energy. Symptoms usually begin within 12 to 24 hours of arriving at a high altitude. Symptoms lessen within a day or two as the person gets used to the altitude. For mild altitude sickness, over-the-counter medicines should relieve headache.

• MODERATE: Symptoms of moderate altitude sickness are more intense and are not relieved by over-the-counter medicines. Fatigue, weakness and shortness of breath worsen instead of improving over time. The affected person may start to show loss of coordination and have difficulty walking, severe headache that is not relieved by medicines, nausea and vomiting, and tightness or congestion in the chest. Normal activity is difficult, although the person may still be able to walk on his or her own. Symptoms of moderate altitude sickness usually improve in 24 hours at an elevation that is at least 1,000 to 2,000 feet lower. Symptoms should go away completely within 3 days. 

• SEVERE: Symptoms of severe altitude sickness include shortness of breath at rest, inability to walk, confusion and fluid buildup in the lungs and/or brain. Other symptoms may include cough and a gray, pale or bluish skin tone. Severe altitude sickness is an emergency situation, and the affected person must be taken to a lower altitude immediately. People who have severe altitude sickness must be taken to a lower elevation (no higher than 4,000 feet) immediately. They must be seen by a doctor as soon as possible. Hospital care may be needed.

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Prevention can start at home, if you see a doctor before you travel to enquire about medicines to prevent altitude sickness. Acetazolamide (diamox) is a prescription drug that increases a person’s breathing rate so that more oxygen is taken in to the lunga. It helps the body adjust to higher altitudes more quickly and reduces minor symptoms of altitude sickness. When you arrive at altitude, you should follow the following guidelines

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• Drink at least 3 to 4 litres of water per day.

• Avoid tobacco, alcohol and other depressant drugs, including barbiturates, tranquilizers and sleeping pills.

• While at a high altitude, eat a diet that includes more than 70% carbohydrates.

• Know the early signs and symptoms of altitude sickness and take action to prevent it from worsening. Seek medical assistance if required.

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Eat & Drink safely

Unclean food and water can cause travelers' diarrhea and other diseases. Reduce your risk by sticking to safe food and water habits.

Eat

• Food that is cooked and served hot

• Hard-cooked eggs

• Fruits and vegetables you have washed in clean water or peeled yourself

• Pasteurized dairy products

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Don't Eat

• Food served at room temperature

• Food from street vendors

• Raw or soft-cooked (runny) eggs

• Raw or undercooked (rare) meat or fish

• Unwashed or unpeeled raw fruits and vegetables

• Unpasteurized dairy products

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Ceviche is a popular Peruvian dish of raw fish or seafood that is “cooked” in an acidic marinade. CDC recommends that travelers avoid raw seafood, but if you must try the ceviche in Peru, stick to clean, established restaurants.

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Drink

• Bottled water that is sealed

• Water that has been disinfected

• Ice made with bottled or disinfected water

• Carbonated drinks

• Hot coffee or tea

• Pasteurized milk

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Don’t Drink

• Tap or well water

• Ice made with tap or well water

• Drinks made with tap or well water (such as reconstituted juice)

• Unpasteurized milk

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In case of an upset stomach 

FLUID REPLACEMENT: If you get diarrhea, drink lots of fluids to stay hydrated. This is especially important for young children or adults with chronic illnesses. In serious cases of travelers’ diarrhea, oral rehydration solution, which is available in local pharmacies, can be used for fluid replacement.

 

ANTIBIOTICS: Many travelers carry antibiotics with them so they can treat diarrhea early if they start to get sick. The choice of antibiotics varies depending on the destination. Ask your doctor if you should take an antibiotic on your trip.

 

OVER-THE-COUNTER DRUGS: Several drugs, such as Lomotil or Imodium, can be bought over-the-counter to treat the symptoms of diarrhea. These drugs decrease the frequency and urgency of needing to use the bathroom, and they may make it easier for you to ride on a bus or airplane while waiting for an antibiotic to take effect.

 

Prevent bug bites

Bugs (like mosquitoes, ticks, and fleas) can spread a number of diseases in Peru. Many of these diseases cannot be prevented with a vaccine or medicine. You can reduce your risk by taking steps to prevent bug bites.

What can I do to prevent bug bites?

• Cover exposed skin by wearing long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and hats.

• Use an appropriate insect repellent (see below).

• Use permethrin-treated clothing and gear (such as boots, pants, socks, and tents). Do not use permethrin directly on skin.

• Stay and sleep in air-conditioned or screened rooms.

• Use a bed net if the area where you are sleeping is exposed to the outdoors.

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Reduce your exposure to germs

Follow these tips to avoid getting sick or spreading illness to others while traveling:

• Wash your hands often, especially before eating.

• If soap and water aren’t available, clean hands with hand sanitizer (containing at least 60% alcohol).

• Don’t touch your eyes, nose, or mouth. If you need to touch your face, make sure your hands are clean.

• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when coughing or sneezing.

• Try to avoid contact with people who are sick.

• If you are sick, stay home or in your hotel room, unless you need medical care.

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Healthy Travel Packing List

You could consider packing the following medicines and health products, but always seek expert medical advice from your doctor

• Do not forget to bring an adecuate a supply of your own prescription medicines which you might be taking for prexisting conditions. Put them in your hand luggage in case your luggage is delayed on flights. 

• Travelers diarrhea medicine (imodium) and/or antibiotic (ciprofoxacin)

• Altitude sickness medicine (Acetazolamide - diamox)

• Malaria prevention prophylactics

• Motion sickness medicine

• Medicine for pain and fever (paracetamol , aspirin, or ibuprofen)

• Sunblock

• Insect repellent.

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Local health services

Good quality private clinics are available in large cities such as Lima, Arequipa, Cusco, Trujillo and Chiclayo. But in more remote rural areas, then you can only expect basic medical providers before travelling to the nearest large town for further treatment if required.

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Travel / health insurance

Good travel insurance including health insurance can be a life safer and we would always recommend you purchase insurance. In case of minor health problems, you should keep any expense receipts and attempt to claim the cost back ofter the trip. But if you have a more serious medical condition, that needs medical assistance and treatment in a clinic, then you should contact your insuror as soon as possible. They will give you advice on how to proceed and might provide logistical assistance.

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