|
 While in Karachi,
consume as much
water or liquids as
possible to avoid
heat exhaustion and
dehydration. As
mentioned in Section
4 of this chapter,
always use filtered
and boiled water, or
better still bottled
water, which is
easily available in
all grocery shops.
During the summer
months double the
intake of your
normal fluid intake.
You will find that
restricting alcohol
consumption and
eating lightly will
help in
acclimatization. For
added protection
wear a hat when you
go out in the sun.
Health Control
Diarrhoea,
Malaria, Animal
Bites, Stings
Diarrhoea:
Temporary diarrhea
is a common problem
for newcomers to
Karachi. Change of
diet and intake of
spicy food are a
common cause.
Karachi water also
can create problems.
Diarrhoea can lead
to fever and
dehydration, and in
case it persists,
you should consult a
physician. First
class hotels
normally have a
doctor on call.
For newcomers the
following
precautions are
essential: avoid tap
water, never eat
rare meat or
shellfish which are
better thoroughly
cooked; all milk
that you drink, even
a few drops in tea,
must be thoroughly
boiled; increase
your intake of
liquids and add
Oralite, a
rehydration powder
available from local
chemists; avoid
prolonged exposure
to direct sunlight.
Malaria: Take
precautions against
Malaria by staying
in rooms with
screening; wearing
appropriate clothing
to reduce contact
with mosquitoes and
use of insect
repellent in
unprotected areas
during evenings.
Normally Malaria
suppressants are not
required in Karachi;
in case you feel the
need, before taking
any medication
consult a physician.
Animal Bites:
In case of animal
bites report
immediately to your
physician, protect
the rabid animal so
that it can be
tested, since
destruction of an
animal possibly
rabid will make
post-exposure rabies
shots mandatory; in
no case should you
ignore animal bites,
since rabies is
fatal if not
treated.
Jellyfish Stings:
These are likely to
occur when swimming
in the sea at
certain times of the
year. To remove the
slime and parts of
tentacles, the most
practical
application would be
to clean the
affected area with
half-strength
household ammonia or
vinegar. A paste of
water and baking
soda can be applied
to the wound.
Insect Stings:
Mosquitoes,
house-flies, etc.
may be disease
carriers. Consult a
physician if the
stings are
uncomfortable rather
than treating
yourself with
self-prescribed
medication. |
