Tips for Travelers

• Apply repellent to exposed skin.
• The repellent should contain DEET. Carefully follow the product instructions.
• Avoid contact with eyes, mouth and nose and with cuts and wounds.
• Take off the repellent with soap and water upon re-entering enclosed spaces.
• Pregnant women and children older than two months should use products that do not affect them negatively.
• An adult should put repellent on children 10 years old or younger, avoiding applying it to children’s hands.
• If one sleeps in a place that does not have good climate control and protection against insects, it is recommended to used mosquito nets. In this situation, one may also use pulverized insecticides, an insecticide sprayer (electric or battery operated) that uses citronella infused pills, or burn anti-mosquito spirals containing citronella in the room throughout the night.
  

Make sure to drink water from a safe source. If this is not possible, boil the water. When traveling through the cities and towns, bottled or carbonated water is preferable. Check to see that the seal on the cap is unopened and undamaged.
Choose restaurants and food centers that guarantee appropriate levels of hygiene.

To protect oneself from the tropical sun:

• Use sunscreen with a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of 15 or more and that protects against UVA and UVB rays.
• Apply sunscreen to children that is especially formulated for them.
• After swimming, reapply sunscreen.
• Use sunglasses, umbrellas and hats.
• Hats should cover the crown of the head, the face, ears and neck.
• When at the beach, sit in the shade of an umbrella or tree.
• Have an aloe vera cream or gel on hand in case of sun over-exposure.

Dress in clothing made of natural fibers (cotton, linen, etc), light, loose: preferably in lighter colors.

If planning to visit rural or mountainous areas of the country (the Dominican Republic houses the highest peak in the Antilles), bring a jacket for the colder climate.

Do not walk barefoot; keep feet dry and clean. Choose wide and ventilated shoes.

Bring a mini first-aid kit containing an antihistamine, aspirin, decongestant, expectorant, acetaminophen, anti-diarrhea medication, antacid, gentle laxative, digital thermometer, cotton, adhesive bandages, hand disinfectant, eye drops and any personal medications. Regarding the latter point, it is recommended to carry of copy of current, pertinent prescriptions.

Always carry a small card where blood type is indicated, as well as any other condition, allergy or medication prohibition, or if a special pharmaceutical is taken that third parties should know about in case of an emergency situation.

If practicing any water activity, use a good lifejacket and/or take all precautions. Watch children while they are in the water.
Recommended links:

WHO: http://www.who.int/es/
www.who.int/ith/en/
whqlibdoc.who.int/publications/2005/9241580364_country_list.pdf