Simple But Essential Tips For Staying Healthy in Kenya

Bite prevention should be your first line of defence against bite-transmitted diseases, amongst which malaria is probably the most serious. Different insects bite at different times of the day, but you'll need to make sure you're protected round the clock. During the day, use an insect repellent spray with a high concentration of DEET, applying it after sun protection. Keep skin covered with loose fitting, neutral-coloured clothing, especially at dusk. A mosquito net is essential at night, and with the range of sizes and shapes available now, you should have no trouble finding one suitable for your trip. Make sure they are impregnated with insect repellent as an extra layer of protection against biting insects.

The climate in Kenya does vary, but it can become very hot in all parts of the country and don't forget you can burn even if it's cloudy! Depending on how fair you are, chances are you will need a high SPF sun protection lotion. As well as the SPF, also check the UVA star rating on the packaging (you will need at least three for Kenya.) For more sensitive areas such as lips, nose and cheeks, you might consider a highly concentrated sunblock stick. Wear a hat which shades your face and the back of your neck. The sun is at its strongest from 11am to 3pm, so seek shade during those hours.

Fresh water in Kenya, whether you're drinking it or swimming in it, should generally be avoided. Don't drink tap water unless it has been boiled or chemically treated first, and don't take ice cubes in soft drinks unless you know they were made from bottled water.Tempting as it might be, don't eat fresh fruit or vegetables unless they've been peeled or cooked. Finally, avoid swimming, paddling or rafting in fresh water, as several water-borne diseases can infect you this way.

Keeping hydrated isn't hard, but the benefits are manifold. Drinking plenty of bottled water only can help you keep cool during particularly hot hours, stops your skin drying out, and it even aids digestion if you get an upset stomach. Concentrated rehydration sachets are inexpensive and available at most chemists, and are really useful in combating dehydration caused by, for example, diarrhea.

Bringing sunglasses may seem a little obvious, but you need to make sure you have a good-quality pair which will protect your eyes from harmful UVA and UVB rays. Buy a pair with a label specifically stating the level of protection they offer - you'll need 99 to 100% blockage - and make sure they're close fitting to minimise the amount of sunlight reaching your eyes from the sides. It really is worth investing in a good pair, as sunglasses without sufficient UV protection could do more harm than good.

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