Major FAQ-Costa Rica
Health and safety
Being informed is your first defense against disease and safety risks. We recommend visiting some of the following websites for health and safety information:
WHO website for international travelers ( http://www.who.int/csr/ihr/en/ )
General Health Tips for volunteer in Costa Rica
- Water is very safe in all of Atenas and most of Costa Rica . When traveling to the beaches or very rural areas, drink only bottled or boiled water, or carbonated (bubbly) drinks in cans or 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" are found in camping/outdoor supply stores.
- Buy bottled water from respectable outlets to guard against stomach upsets. Make sure 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/diarrhoea/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.
- Avoid eating food from road side stalls. 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 some place that you have doubts about, make sure the food is served hot.
- If you require any prescription drugs bring enough for the duration of the trip. They will need to be carried in their 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, deet mosquito repellant, sun block, band aids, etc.
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