Saturday 10 December 2011

Keep Mosquitoes at Bay

Mosquito nets offer critical protection against a terrible disease. Some estimates suggest Mosquitoes might be responsible for the deaths of as many as half of all human beings who have ever lived. Their danger comes from their ability to transfer diseases and illnesses between humans. The elephantiasis-causing filariasis worm, Ross River Fever, various forms of encephalities and malaria can be transmitted by mosquitoes. Even today, between 1 and 3 million people die each year from malaria. Most of these deaths are children.

Traditional bell nets are hung above a bed or sleeping area, with nets draping below and splaying out to cover either single or double beds (you will need to ensure beforehand that your net matches your size of bed). For bell, box and wedge nets which require hanging, the necessary hanging kit is supplied. All that is required is somewhere to attach them (e.g. a hook, beam or cord).

Portable, freestanding mosquito nets are perfect for use with tents. If you are off camping or are else in a situation where a traditional net cannot be hung, then these provide the answer.

Compact mosquito nets are available for both single and double beds. These handy, portable nets fit right into a compression bag; just like a sleeping bag or travel pillow. They are small enough to be carried in backpacks or hand luggage; the perfect choice for those off travelling the globe or trekking around Thailand.

To make doubly sure of being protected from malaria, you'll need a net that is impregnated with insecticide. Long Lasting Impregnation (LLI) kills mosquitoes as soon as they land on the net. The LLI lasts for 2 years, after which it can be reimpregnated with commercially available anti-mosquito treatments. Reimpregnation is a simple process that can be carried out at home. You simply mix a solution of the anti-mosquito treatment to the right level of concentration and then draw the net through. Once dry, the net will be reimpregnated with LLI.

Mosquitoes are active between dusk and dawn; hence the importance of mosquito nets. If you are planning activities during the early morning or evening, it's still important to keep yourself protected by mosquitoes. You may be up and moving, but that won't stop them trying to bite. Head nets are made of a fine mesh that offers you clear vision while also keeping the mosquitoes off your face.

Mosquito nets are also handy if you are in non-malarial zones. You may not be so at risk in the UK or France, but mosquitoes are still annoying. Non impregnated nets are available to keep the bugs off.

When you are travelling in sub-Saharan Africa, Asia or the Americas, it's critical you take a mosquito net . Whether you are staying in a double bed in one hotel or hiking through the mountains, sleeping beneath the stars every night, there's a net suitable for your needs. Malaria is a dreadful problem, but there are simple steps you can take to avoid the worst of it.

Saturday 19 November 2011

Water Purification Tablets and Diarrhoea Prevention Products

Travellers often asked what the best methods are for avoiding unclean drinking water. Boiling water is a great method, but not always practical. Here we look at alternatives.

Chlorine dioxide tablets are probably the safest and most effective chemical water disinfectants on the market. They kill bacteria, viruses and cysts in water (including giardia and cryptosporidium). As well as drinking water, it is important to treat any water which may enter your body, e.g. water used for brushing your teeth or preparing food. There is no need for additional neutralising tablets since chlorine dioxide tablets have no taste. The tablets can be used to treat as much as 30 litres of water and are safe for long term use.

Until recently, iodine was the most commonly known and commonly employed water purification treatments. However, iodine is not being supported under the EU Biocides Directive and so most manufacturers have discontinued supplying iodine products since 2009. We now recommend using chlorine dioxide tablets; a great alternative.

The Aquapure Traveller bottle is a handy solution for those with a bit more space in their rucksack. It incorporates brand new M.A.D. (Mechanically Advanced Disinfection) Technology, a chemical free system that not only does a far better job than the original product, but also has a faster flow rate: all without chemicals. The bottle is designed to provide safe drinking water that tastes great. Its filter cap will purify around 350 litres during its lifetime, and is the only portable water purifier officially endorsed by the Hospital of Tropical Diseases London. It is kind to the environment; by using the Aquapure Traveller, you are helping the environment by not disposing of the equivalent of 700 plastic bottles per filter. It is very simple to use. There aren't any chemicals or complicated produces; you just fill it and drink. Aquapure Traveller eliminates viruses and bacteria such as E. Coli, polio, hepatitis A and others. It removes waterborne pathogens, including giardia, cryptosporidium, etc. It eliminates toxic chemicals and heavy metals, and bad tastes, odours and sediment. It's the perfect solution for holiday makers, backpackers, trekkers, business travellers and, in fact, anybody who needs access to pure, fresh water anywhere in the world. Replacement filters are available and can be replaced by simply taking off the old cap and screwing on a brand new one.

Bimuno Travelaid helps keep your stomach healthy while overseas. This truly exceptional patented formula has been specially designed for travellers by worldwide experts in digestive health. Scientific analysis show that the unique second generation prebiotic galacto-oligosaccharide formulation of Bimuno Travelaid helps encourage and sustain a good level of your gut’s “good” bacteria (bifidobacteria) helping to prevent “bad bacteria” from becoming established. Furthermore, unlike other prebiotics, it also has unique anti-adhesive properties, which help your body to drive out “bad” bacteria you may have consumed. By this combined effect of maintaining a favourable balance of “good” bacteria and preventing bad bacteria from finding a home you can help to keep your stomach happy. Since the protective benefits of Travelaid build over time, it is recommended that you take the product for a week before your departure and each day whilst you are on your travels. Because of its effectiveness, Travelaid is recommended by many travel clinicians and Bimuno is an approved travel industry partner of ABTA.

I hope you found this article about chlorine tablets for water purification interesting and informative.