Your Health While in Honduras

There is always an element of danger whenever we leave our houses, both in the U.S. and in Honduras. Our job is to make sure that we are aware of the possible dangers we are facing while taking steps to minimize the risks. Most of our injuries consists of cuts and scrapes at the construction site. We carry a basic first-aid kit and our volunteers have access to transportation to the clinic if an emergency should arise.

Follow these steps to minimize your risks in Honduras:

1. Get your Immunizations

Visit the US Centers for Disease Control (CDC) for detailed information on all recommended vaccinations for Honduras. Remember to see your doctor 4-6 weeks before your trip to allow time for shots to take effect. The most common immunizations that you will need to get are:

1. Hepatitis A
2. Hepatitis B
3. Malaria (pills)
4. Typhoid
5. Measles

2. Remember these health tips

• Mosquito bites, sun exposure, dehydration, and food poisoning are common health concerns in Honduras. Please remember to bring bug spray, sun block, and a water bottle.
• Many of our first time volunteers get a mild case of traveler's diarrhea due to contaminates food or water. This can be treated with standard medications you can bring with you or obtain from a pharmacy in Honduras.
• Malaria is a mosquito-borne disease that exists in some parts of Honduras. Prevent this serious disease by seeing your health care provider for a prescription antimalarial drug and by protecting yourself against mosquito bites.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water or, if hands are not visibly soiled, use a waterless, alcohol-based hand rub to remove potentially infectious materials from your skin and help prevent disease transmission.

3. Drink clean water

Dehydration is a common and serious illness. Volunteers must remember to drink plenty of clean water in Honduras, especially at the worksite. Volunteers will have access to clean drinking water 24/7 during their trip. Volunteers In developing countries, drink only bottled water or drinks in cans or bottles. Avoid tap water, fountain drinks, and ice cubes.

4. Get medical insurance

The Department of State strongly urges Americans to consult with their medical insurance company prior to traveling abroad to confirm whether their policy applies overseas and whether it will cover emergency expenses such as a medical evacuation. U.S. medical insurance plans seldom cover health costs incurred outside the U.S. unless supplemental coverage is purchased.

If in doubt, purchase an affordable, short-term traveler's insurance card from Volunteer Card or elsewhere. When making a decision regarding health insurance, Americans should consider that many foreign doctors and hospitals require payment in cash prior to providing service and that a medical evacuation to the U.S. may cost thousands of dollars. Uninsured travelers who require medical care overseas often face extreme difficulties. When consulting with your insurer prior to your trip, ascertain whether payment will be made to the overseas health care provider or whether you will be reimbursed later for expenses you incur.