Being informed is your first defense against disease and safety risks. We recommend reviewing some of the following websites for health and safety information and follow their instructions:
Public water is not considered safe to drink in most of Argentina. When traveling to the beaches or very rural areas, drink only bottled or boiled water, or carbonated (bubbly) drinks in cans or sealed bottles. Tap water should not be considered safe at the beaches nor fountain drinks and ice cubes. If this is not possible, make water safer by both filtering through an "absolute 1 micron or less" filter AND adding iodine tablets to the filtered water. "Absolute 1 micron filters" can be found in camping/outdoor supply stores.
Buy bottled water from respectable outlets/vendors to guard against digestive or intestinal issues. Ensure that the seal of the bottle is intact as it is not uncommon for local street merchants to sell tap water in resealed bottles.
The most common health complaint in any developing nation is upset stomach or diarrhea/vomiting. In many cases, the illness may be attributed merely to a change in diet, but occasional cases of food poisoning can occur, whereby the symptoms occur very quickly, severely and explosively. These are seldom serious or extended illnesses, but medical treatment should be sought if it occurs. Your local in-country coordinator can assist in an emergency.
Avoid eating food purchased from road side stalls/vendors. Don't eat unpeeled fruits or fruits that have already been cut by unknown handlers on the street. If you are forced to eat food at an unfamiliar location, ensure the food is served hot.
If you require any prescription drugs, bring enough for the duration of your stay in Argentina. They will need to be carried in the original prescription bottle and the prescription must be in your name.
It is advisable that you carry a small health kit which should include remedy for upset stomachs, some antiseptic cream, hydration powder, deer mosquito repellant, sun block, band aids, etc.
The mission of IFRE Volunteers is to offer the most affordable as well as the highest quality volunteer and humanitarian abroad experiences - enabling us to make a contribution for all of humanity in its quest to make the world a better place. Through our volunteer and humanitarian trips abroad, we aim to spread love and compassion worldwide while improving the lives of destitute children and less-fortunate communities. We at IFRE also seek sustainable solutions in the fields of education, healthcare, conservation efforts and development issues through international volunteering.
